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standard Series of Temperance Tales. 

7 


K/ 


BILL' BROCK’S INVESTMENT. 

* 


/ 

BY J 

MARY DWINELL CllELLIS, 

1 1 

AUTHOR OF “MOLUY’8 BIBLE,” “EFFIE WINGATE’S 
WORK,” ETC. 



BOSTON: 

EEJ^RY A. YOUR'G Sr CO. 


No. 24 CORNHILL. 


P'X-'2> ^ 
Q 3c^<\ 3 


Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by 
HKXr.Y A. YOUXG & CO., 

In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. 



of ^emperancif 


VoL. 1. BILL BROCK’S INVESTMENT. 
“ 11. THE OLD DOCTOR’S SON. 

“ III. (In Preparation.) 


« IV. 


a 



BILL BROCK’S INVESTMENT 


CHAPTER I. 

Under the pines, where the sun looked down, 

Flecking with light all the carpet broAvn ; 

•Lulled by the music of summer’s breeze, 

Fairy-like whispers, through stately trees. 

There slept a child, on whose tear-stained face 
Pain and suffering had left their trace. 

HE faintest summer breeze swept 
through the tall pines, bearing from 
them a health-giving aroma, and 
making strange, weird music, like 
the rush of far off waters, or the sighs of 
mighty liearts, struggling to burst the chains 
which bind them. 



4 


BILL brock's investment. 


Since first the sun had risen in the east, it j 
had glowed and burned as a furnace, seven ; 
times heated. Man and beast were fain to j 
shelter themselves from its scorching rays, 1 
while the very grass grew dry and crisp. 
Flowers drooped, and even the leaves of the 
forest trees rolled themselves together as tiny 
scrolls. Only the grand old pines seemed to 
rejoice in this fervid heat, as the brown carpet 
beneath them, was flecked, here and there, 
with the light which found its way through 
their swaying branches. 

For miles, one might wander where the 
footfall would give back no sound, and where, 
to the uniniated, there was nothing to mark 
the progress made. Lost in this belt of wood- 
land, one would need rare sagacity to extri- 
cate himself, and yet, on the afternoon my 
story opens, a negro, panting beneath the 
burden he carried, threaded his way, among 
these pines, as carelessly as though treading 
the streets of a familiar city. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


5 


Pausing, occasionally, to rest, he gave 
utterance to some characteristic expletives. 
Toting supplies for three was no child’s play 
on a day like this, as the headed drops on his 
foreliead testified. Just a mile he had come, 
from the old turnpike, and there was quite a 
distance between him and the camp, where he 
acted as purveyor general, cook, and man of 
all work. He would have been glad to sit 
down and rest, but the thought of those who 
waited, quickened his steps. Yet, directly, he 
fell into the old pace, mutteidng to himself, 
‘‘ ]\Iighty hot, and them bOys can wait ! ” 

He toiled on slowly, until near the camp, 
then he stopped, threw down his burden, and 
turned aside to examine an object which had 
arrested his attention. Mighty ! ” he whis- 
pered, between his clenched teeth, and knelt 
down by tlie prostrate form of a boy, who was 
all unconscious of his presence. Our sable 
friend. Bill Drock, was seldom astonished or 


6 


BILL brock’s investment. 


surprised ; but here was a case beyond his 
comprehension. 

Traces of tears were upon the boy’s cheeks, 
and around his mouth were lines of suffering. 
His hands, even in sleep, were clasped closely, 
as though in his last waking moments, he had 
striven to control some painful emotion. 

An old, well-patched jacket lay beside him ; 
but his shirt was sadly torn, revealing one 
shoulder, blistered by the sun. Other marks 
there were too, made by a whip or rattan, 
which now showed purple and livid. 

Bill Drock bent lower that he might be 
quite sure of this ; and the boy moved 
uneasily, an expression of pain flitting 
across his face. Still the negro continued his 
scrutiny. There was a mystery here he pro- 
posed to solve. 

At length the child, for child he really was, 
opened his eyes and gazed wildly around. 
Large, hazel eyes, tliey were, tender and ap- 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


7 


pealing, despite the fear they now expressed. 

‘‘ Had a good sleep, boy ? ” 

‘‘ Yes,” was the reply. ‘‘ I forgot I was 
tired and lonesome.” 

“ And was you tired and lonesome, before 
you went to sleep ? ” 

Yes, and hungry, too. I’ve lost my 
way.” 

“ Where do you want to go ? ” 

‘‘ I don’t know. Somewhere. I can work 
and earn some money.” 

‘‘ Mighty ! ” exclaimed Bill Brock. ‘‘ You 
don’t look much like earning money. Why, 
you ain’t much more than a baby, any way. 
You ought to be at home with your mother. 
That’s the place for such a boy as you. 

Instantly the long lashes drooped, and sobs 
shook the frame of the little way-worn trav- 
eler. He covered his face with his hands, 
and turned, so that his back and shoulders 
were still more exposed ; and there was 


8 


BILL brock’s investment. 


another ejaculation, from his, companion, still 
more expressive. 

“Where did* you come from ? ” he asked, 
directly ; and was then obliged to wait for an 
answer, until he grew impatient. “ Them 
boys ” at the camp would want him. 

Nothing ever moved this coarse, rough 
man, like the tears of a child. He had, 
himself, some sad memories, reaching far 
back to the days when he should have been 
loved and sheltered ; but when, alas, he had 
been forced to fight his way unaided. 

“ Won’t you send me back, if I tell you ? ” 
interrogated the boy, who had not been un- 
mindful of the question asked. 

“ I never T1 send you where you don’t want 
to go,” was the answer. “ You won’t catch 
this chap doing that, unless you’ve run away 
from your mother.” ’ 

Another burst of tears, and another hiding 
of the face. ‘‘ My mother is dead.” This 


BILL brock’s investment. 


9 


said, a long silence followed, while Bill Brock 
wiped the tears from his own eyes. 

lie bethought him, then, that the boy was 
hungry. There were some crackers in the 
bag he had brought from the village. ‘‘ Poor 
fodder,” he^ called them, but they were better 
than nothing, and he was unwilling to take 
the boy to the camp, until he had learned 
something of his history. “ Would you like 
something to eat ? ” he asked. 

“ Oh, yes, I am so hungry.” 

The negro did not wait for another word. 
Lost from sight a moment, lie returned, with 
a dozen crackers, which the boy seized eager- 
ly. He must have been hungry. All other 
feeling seemed lost in the pleasure of satisfy- 
ing his craving for food. 

‘‘ You ’ll want some water now,” said his 
companion. 

“ I should like some.” 

“ Then you stay here till I come back. 


10 


BILL brock’s investment. 


Fm going on, and I’ll bring you some water, 
if you’ll promise not to run away.” 

‘‘How soon will you come? I must find 
tlie road before dark ; because — ” and here 
the child’s voice was lost in a sob. 

•t 

“ There, now, don’t cry any more. I shan’t 
be gone long, and I’ll look after you, to-night. 
There’s worse places, to sleep in, than these 
woods. You just lay still where you are, and 
I’ll see what can be done for you. Shall I 
find you here ? ” 

“ Yes, sir. I’ll wait fof you.” 

It was not often any one addressed Bill 
Drock as “ sir ; ” and this may have had some 
effect upon his movements, which were, cer- 
tainly,, much more rapid than they had been 
before he caught sight of the sleeping boy. 
The camp reached, something was said in 
regard to his long^absence. 

“ Tote that bag, three miles, and see how 
fast you’ll go ! Mighty hot day, Mr. Parsons. 
Besides, I had some business to attend to.” 


BILL DROCK’b investment. 


11 


“ What kind of business ? ” asked a young 
man, reclining upon a couch made of the 
fragrant pine boughs. “ I should think you 
had enough on hand here, without looking for 
more.’’ 

“ I didn’t look for more. It came in my 
way, and I must take it up. ’Twas duty.” 

“ That is enough. Never shirk duty ; ” and 
with a smile at the consequential air assumed, 
Hugh Parsons took up a book and commenced 
to read. 

Seated by a rude table, was an older man, 
who wrote rapidly, scarcely heeding the con- 
versation, and giving no heed to the new 
comer after he first entered the hut. He was 
too much accustomed to hear his brother talk 
with this humble friend, to be disturbed by 
the sound of their voices ; but, presently. Bill 
stood before him, in the attitude of waiting. 

“ Well,” he said, laying down_ his pen. 
“ Any letters ? ” 


12 BILL brock’s investment. 

“ Yes, sir,” replied Bill, taking quite a 
package from liis pocket. “ I forgot all about 
them. There’s a boy out here, hungry and 
tired.” 

“ Out here ! Where do you mean ? In the 
woods ? ” 

“ Yes, sir, about forty rods off, and the 
worst sight I ever see. His back and shoul- 
ders are blistered, and marked like they tell 
about down South.” 

‘‘ What’s that. Bill ? ” exclaimed Hugh, 
springing from his couch, with an eagerness 
which sent the blood rushing to his usually 
pale face. 

“ Be careful,” said his brother, kindly. 
‘‘ Don’t excite yourself. Remember you are 
not quite well, yet,” he added, as the flush 
faded from his cheek. 

“ But I want to hear about the boy.” 

“ Then go back to your bed, and I’ll tell 
you. I shan’t talk, while you stand there, 


BILL brock’s investment. 


13 


looking like a ghost ; ” and Bill spoke as one 
having authority. No stress of circumstances 
would have compelled him to talk, until the 
invalid had complied with his conditions. 

Hugh once more upon the couch, he gave a 
description of the boy in few words. 

, It is very , strange,” said William Par- 
sons. “ This is the last place I should expect 
to find a boy. He must have lost his way.” 

“ Yes, sir, that’s what he said ; but he cried 
so I couldn’t find out much else about him. 
I promised to carry him some water, and it’s 
time I went back. I am going to bring him 
over here.” 

“ So do, as soon as possible,” said Hugh. 
“ I want to see him myself. Why don’t you 
go to him, William ? ” ^ 

‘‘Because Bill understands the case better 
than I do ; and the boy will speak more 
freely, if there is- but one to listen. Take the 
boy here as soon as he is willing to come, and 


14 


BILL brock’s investment. 


we will endeavor to help him. I didn’t look 
for an adventure in the old pine forest.” 

It required a few minutes for the negro to 
dispose of his groceries satisfactorily, after 
which he drew from the well a bucket of 
sparkling water. Then, with a small tin pail, 
filled with the cool liquid, he started on his 
errand of mercy. 

The boy had not stirred from the spot 
where he was left. There he lay, watching 
and waiting for his new found friend. 

Hunger and thirst appeased, a wan smile 
broke over his face, as he asked, “ Do you live 
here in the^ woods ? ” 

“ I live here now, though ’taint my home. 
There’s two young men out here in the camp. 
You can go there with me, and stay to-night.” 

“ Perhaps they won’t want me ; and I 
ought to go on.” 

‘‘ On where ? You need rest, and perhaps 
if you tell me your story, I can help you. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


15 


I’m only a poor man ; but I’ve helped some 
folks before now. Can’t you tell me where 
you came from ? ” 

The boy whispered low the name of the 
town he had left. “ I came away in the 
night, and there didn’t anybody know,” 

he added.” “ Mother died, and father ” 

Here he paused, and seemed debating whether- 
it was best to proceed. “ Father used to 
whip me after he’d been drinking, and I 
thought I’d come away.” 

This was the mystery. There was a 
drunken father ; curse enough for any child. 
No wonder that he came away, even though 
he knew not whether he went. 

The memory of what he had suffered 
caused another fit of weeping, and poor Bill, 
after several awkward attempts at consola- 
tion, broke down himself. 

Don’t cry,” said the boy ; it don’t hurt 
you.” 


16 


BILL brock’s investment. 


Don’t it, though ? Something hurts me. 
You come over to the camp now.” 

“ Perhaps they won’t want me,” was the 
reply, in a tone of apprehension. 

“Trust me for that. I told them some- 
thing about you, and they said, ‘ Bring him 
along.’ Mr. Parsons would be glad to see 
you, any way. He’s kind of a minister, and 
knows the right thing to say to everybody. 
Come,” and he took hold of the boy’s hand, 
to assist him to rise. 

A half subdued cry of pain escaped the 
boy, as he said, “ Let me get up alone.” 

This was no easy task. His 'limbs were 
stiff, and every motion was attended with 
suffering. He fell back heavily. 

“ Now you just let me take you right up, 
and carry you. You won’t be no more weight 
than a baby ; and I’m used to toting.” 

The child made another effort to rise. 
This time, he stood upon his feet, and before 


BILL brock’s investment. 


17 


he could remonstrate, Bill Brock had taken 
him in his arms, and was striding towards 
the camp. 

“ There’s my jacket, and my bundle. 
Mother’s Bible is in that ; I can’t leave it.'’ 

‘‘I’ll come back after all we leave behind. 
Don’t be afraid. I’m going to look out for 
. you.” 

The camp, as it was called, consisted of a 
log house, a smaller one adjoining, used as 
store-rooms, and a rough shanty of boards. 
This last was the negro’s apartment, where no 
one presumed to intrude. There was a stone 
chimney, with a capacious fire-place, around 
which hung his cooking utensils. A heap of 
boughs was his bed; while for chairs and 
table he had little need. Just outside the 
door was a well, sunk years before, by the 
choppers, for whose accommodation the log 
house was built. 

This tract of timber land had not reached 


18 


BILL brock’s investment. 


the perfection of its growth. Only some of 
the larger trees were cut down from time to 
time ; and the camp would have been seldom 
occupied, but for those who came seeking 
health and strength. 

William and Hugh Parsons were spending 
the summer here, the former studying, writ- 
ing, and making the most of every hour, ^ 
while the latter read, idled, or slept, as his 
mood might dictate. They had been fortu- 
nate in securing the services of Bill Drock, 
who knew every inch of the forest, and was 
skilled in rustic cooking. 

Hugh had already improved, during the 
month spent in camp ; yet he was far from 
well. Every over-exertion or excitement was 
followed by the ominous flush, and hollow 
cough. He was coughing, as the boy and his 
bearer came within hearing. 

“ Oh, that sounds like mother. She used 
to cough so, and the doctor said it killed her. 
Who is it ? ” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


19 


“ It’s Mister Hugh. But he’s a heap better 

than when he came here, and I’m going to 

cure him all up.” 

/ 

“ Be you a doctor ? ” asked the child. 

‘‘ Not much of one. I never studied 
physic, and I don’t know anything about the 
things big doctors give to sick folks ; but I’ve 
done some jobs in my day. Guess I can 
bring Mister Hugh round, if he don’t get tired 
of this country too soon. But there, you 
hain’t told me your name, and I must call you 
something besides boy.” 

“ My name is Philip Melvin. My mother 
called me Phil.” 

There was just time enough for this to be 
said, before Bill Brock passed the door of the 
larger boy’s house. 

‘‘ Here, Bill,” called Hugh Parsons, ‘‘ I 
want you to bring that boy in here. I am 
waiting to receive company. William, why 
don’t you' insist upon it ? ” he added, as the 


20 


BILL brock’s investment. 


negro strode on, without appearing to hear 
what had been said. 

‘‘ Let him have his own way,^’ was the 
reply. “ Bill knows what he is about, and 
don’t fancy interference.” 

Supposing he don’t. There are others 
in the same condition, of whom I am one,” 
responded Hugh. 

“ A fact of which I have been aware,” said 
his brother, quietly ; and yet he was himself 
impatient to see the boy. 

Meanwhile, Philip Melvin had been laid 
down carefully in the kitchen of the es-* 
tablishment, glad to escape meeting the 
strangers. 

‘‘ There, now, I’m going to give you some 
supper, bime bye, and fix you up for the 
night,” said Bill. “ I’ll go back and get the 
things we left, and you needn’t be afraid of 
anything while I’m gone. I guess your 
troubles are pretty much over ; so don’t cry 
any more.” 


BILL DROCK’^ investment. 


21 


This speech, intended to be consolatory, 
had the effect to open the fountain of tears, 
but Pliil made a brave effort to restrain its 
overflow, and succeeded in so doing, until he 
was left alone. Then, thinlving of his dear 
mother, whom he had seen laid in the grave 
but two days before, and of the darling baby 
sister, whose cold lips he had kissed ere the 
cofflii lid was closed over them, it was impos- 
sible to be brave or calm. He was but a 
child, and a child’s grief must have its way. 

He did not think much of the present or 
future. The wretehed past engrossed him. 
Perhaps he wondered a little how his father 
felt towards him, now that he was away ; yet 
the_ scars he bore had been inflicted too 
recently to have the giver’s hand seem other 
than it was that of a brutal master. His 
mother’s Bible was the only thing in all the 
wide world left to comfort him ; and this his 
friend had promised to bring. 


22 


BILL DR0CK’§ investment. 


But there, beneath the old pine, lay jacket 
and bundle, just as he had left them, while 
Bill Drock talked with his employers. 

“ I thought I’d better carry the boy right 
home,” he said, in answer to Hugh’s com- 
plaints. “ You haint any room for him, and 
I have. Besides, I’ve got to doctor him, and 
it’s handier to have him close by.” 

“You’ll have your hands full with two 
patients,” said Hugh. “ But you didn’t tell 
us he was sick.” 

“ I don’t know as he is sick, exactly ; but 
he’s lame, and his back is awful. Why, he 
couldn’t walk any more than a baby.” 

“Did you learn any thing more in regard 
to him ? ” asked William Parsons. 

“ His mother is dead, and his father is a 
drunkard,” was the laconic reply. “ He says 
his father whipped him, and he carries the 
marks.” 

^ “ Now, Mister Hugh, I’m going sure,” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


23 


exclaimed Bill, after telling all he had heard, 
and venturing upon some conclusions, which 
afterwards proved to be not far from the 
truth. 

“ Well, go, if you will, and if I find my 
way to your kitchen, blame innate curiosity, 
and not me.” 

“ Just wait for that till I get back, and the 
hoy has got used to his quarters. I promised 
him there shouldn’t anybody come while I 
was gone.” 

“All right, then. Hurry on, and I’ll en- 
deavor to keep tlie peace, though it will be 
hard work, and decidedly against nature.^ 
Bill carries a high hand.” 

This last remark was addressed to his 
brother, who answered, “ The boy is his 
protege, not ours. You must learn to possess 
your soul in patience.” 

“ An oft repeated lesson, brother. Shall I 
ever learn it ? ” and the voice was modulated 
to a softer tone. 


24 


BILL brock’s investment. 


I trust so, Hugh, and that without too 
stern discipline. He who can do his best, 
and calmly wait for answer and return, has 
made success so sure, he need not doubt.” 

“ Your favorite motto, William ; and judged 
by that, your success in life is doubly sure.” 

“ As I count success, 1 believe it is, and 
can bide my time.” 

‘‘ Sermonizing always,” exclaimed Hugh, 
after a short silence. ‘‘ There is nobody like 
you. One might think it the pleasantest 
thing in the world for you to be here in tliis 
old log hut, while I know that you had other 
plans for your vacation. It is too bad that I 
should always be a drag upon you.” 

The elder brother turned at this, and ^an- 
swered with his eyes. Words were not 
needed. 

Presently Bill appeared in sight, and the 
conversation drifted back to the subject upon 
which it had commenced. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


25 


“ I guess I’ll call you before long,” said the 
negro, as lie passed. 

Phil was sobbing bitterly when his host 
returned. He suffered from physical as well 
as mental pain. Oh, for his mother’s gentle 
hand and loving sympathy ! 

As yet. Bill Drock had not spoken to the 
boy of his bruised and blistered shoulders, 
although they had seemed so dreadful. 

“ Mr. Parsons wants to see you,” he said. 
‘‘ You’d better have him come right in. He’s 
good, and loves the same Bible your mother 
did. That’s what we all do, too. Mister 
Hugh and me, besides ; but he knows best 
about it. You’ll feel better to have him talk 
with you. Shall I tell him to come ? ” 

“ Yes, sir,” answered Phil, reaching out for 
his jacket. 

“ Why, child, you don’t waut that on. It 
will make your back worse to be so warm, 
I’m going to dress it with leaves bime by.” 


26 


BILL brock’s investment. 


‘‘ But I don’t want him to see,” urged Phil. 
‘‘ It hurts so, and father did it. He’d been 
drinking, and I wouldn’t go to buy him any 
more rum. Mother told me not to.” 

“Well, we’ll see about it. But I can’t 
have you putting on that hot jacket. ’Twould 
be the worst thing you could do.” 

- William Parsons was expecting the sum- 
mons which he made haste to obey, and 
Philip Melvin looked up into a kindly face. 
The negro did not return ; so there was only 
this good man sitting by the low couch. 

Neither could afterwards have told how 
confidence was established; but in the next 
lialf hour, Phil had given a graphic outline of 
his life. It was such a relief to talk to one 
who seemed to understand how hard and 
bitter it had been. 

“ It wasn’t wrong to come away, was it ? ” 
he asked, in conclusion. 

“ I think not,” was the reply. 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


27 


“ Then you won’t send me back.” 

‘‘No, never,” answered the young man, 
decidedly. 

“ Because if you did, father would almost 
kill me, and I should hate him, though 
mother told me I ought to pray for him. 1 
try to, but — ” and an involuntary motion of 
his hand showed that he thought of the blows 
he had received. 

“ Don’t think of that now,” said the boy’s 
companion. “ Tell me what you would like 
for supper.” 

“ Can you have what you want, here in the 
woods ? ” 

“ Usually. We arc wise enough to want 
what we can have,” replied William Parsons, 
laughing. “ Isn’t that a good way ? ” 

“ Yes, sir, and I should like just what you 
do for supper.” 

“And you shall have it. Then, after a 
good night’s sleep, you will feel pretty well. 


28 


BILL brock’s investment. 


and can make us a visit. How should you 
like that? ’’ 

“ I should like to come and see you. But 
aint there somebody with you ? ’’ 

“ Yes, my brother. You and he will be 
good friends.” 

“ Is he like you ? ” 

“ You can judge when you have seen him. 
He is not so old as I am.” 

And have you got a mother ? ” 

“ No, Phil, we have neither father nor 
mother. They both died before Hugh was 
as old as you are now.” 

Then perhaps my mother has seen your 
mother before this time,” said the boy, 
eagerly. Mother used to say she should see 
Nellie in heaven. Isn’t your mother in 
heaven ? ” 

“ I trust so, child.” 

“ Perhaps they know all about us, and can 
look right down here. Mother said she 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


29 


sliould know if I was a bad boy. I wanted 
her to take me to heaven with her.’’ 

‘‘ You will go to her when your work here 
is done,” responded Mr. Parsons. “ I hope 
we shall all go.” 

‘‘ Will that black man go, too ? ” 

“ Yes, he is a Christian.” 

“ I knew he was real good, when he took 
me up in his arms. He said I might stay 
here to-night. But what shall I do in the 
morning ? ” exclaimed Phil, with a troubled 
voice. 

“ I will tell you what to do,” was the 

✓ 

kind answer. ‘‘You needn’t think anytliing 
about it.” 

“ Mighty hot, Mr. Parsons ! ” said Bill 
Brock, entering at that moment, throwing 
down a handful of leaves, and wiping tlie 
perspiration from his forehead. “ Pve had a 
tramp, but I found what I wanted ; ” and 
taking up tlie leaves, lie began to bruise them 


30 


BILL brock’s investment. 


ill his horny palms. This done, he laid them 
in an old earthen dish, and poured water 
upon them. 

Never mother dressed a wound more care- 
fully than were these cool, moist leaves, ap- 
plied to Phil Melvin’s inflamed shoulders, 
and never was child more grateful than he. 
William Parsons went out when this was 
done, and the boy asked for his mother’s 
Bible. 

‘‘I want to read a chapter b^efore I go to 
sleep,” he said. 

“ You must have supper before you go to 
sleep,” replied his friend. “ I am going to 
make up another bed for you, too.” 

Supper was sure to be what he liked, since 
he was unaccustomed to luxuries, and thought 
enough of any thing a feast. He ate it with a 
grateful heart, and read a chapter, while his 
bed was prepared. Fresh leaves replaced 
those which had become heated; and the 


BILL brock’s investment. 


31 


boy slept before the shades of evening liad 
fallen round him. 

By this time, Hugh Parsons had heard all 
which his brother had learned of the child. 
“ What will you do with him ? ” he asked. 

“ I have hardly thought of that,” was the 
reply. “ Bill must be consulted, and light 
will come with the morning.” 

Rest came with the night ; rest more per- 
fect than dwellers in the city may know ; and 
again the August sun looked down on that far 
stretch of woodland. 

Bill Brock was early astir ; but the other 
inmate of his lodge slept soundly until he be- 
gan making preparations for breakfast. Then 
the boy sprang up and cried, “ Where am I ? ” 

“ Here in the woods, with friends. Don’t 
you remember ? ” asked the smiling cook. 
“ Don’t you remember ? ” 

“Oh, yes,” answered Phil, “I remember 
now. Motlier died, and I came away. Do 
you suppose father cares ? ” 


32 


BILL brook’s investment. 


‘‘ Can’t tell about that. I guess I should 
care, if I was in his place.” 

‘‘ But he aint like you,” said Phil. 

“ No, he’s white, and I’m black.” 

“ I didn’t mean that,” responded the boy, 
with a sigh. “ He don’t care about what you 
do. He don’t read the Bible, nor go to meet- 
ing. Sundays he goes fishing. You don’t go 
fishing, do you ? ” 

“ No, child,” and here, by a dexterous move- 
ment, a cake, to which Bill gave the name of 
“ flapjack ” was turned in the iron skillet ; 
and the attention of his companion was for the 
moment absorbed by this. 

Philip Melvin, who liad been accustomed to 
see cooking done only by women, thought it 
strange how this man could have learned to do 
so many things. Great slices of pork were 
broiled upon the glowing coals, potatoes drawn 
from their hiding-place in the hot ashes, eggs 
boiled, and last, but not least, coffee was ‘‘ set 


BILL brock’s investment. 


33 


boiling.” A savory smell filled the shanty, 
and mingled with the fragrance of the outer 
air. 

Nobody* could have convinced Bill Drock 
that pork was unhealthy ; and few, with appe- 
tites sharpened by coming out would have 
attempted it. The boy, who watched its cook- 
ing, thought nothing had ever looked so good ; 
and even Hugh Parsons was induced to test 
its merits. 

The gentlemen having been served in their 
house, Bill gave attention to his young guest. 
A huge block, the face of which was worn 
smooth by constant use, was all the table of 
which he could boast, and upon this breakfast 
for two was arranged. 

“ Pretty well this morning, aint you ? ” 
said the host, as he poured the second bowl of 
coffee for Phil. 

Yes sir,” was the reply. “ I feel pretty 
well, and I guess you’ve cured my shoulders.” 


34 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ I thought I could doctor as much as that. 
There’s nothing like the roots and leaves. 
God puts them here for us. You must have a 
bath, and then you’ll be all right.” ’ 

“ Then will you show me the way to the 
road ? ” asked Phil. 

“ Do you want to go and leave us so soon ? ” 
was asked, in reply, “ We haint got really 
acquainted yet. ’Taint often we have com- 
pany here in the woods.” 

“ Am I company ? ” exclaimed the boy, a 
happy wonder in his eyes. 

“ Of course you be ; and you haint seen 
Mister Hugh at all, yet. Mr. Parsons is 
going to make up his mind what you’d best 
do ; but you’ll stay here to-day at any rate.” 

A bath, which, judging from its effects, 
must have possessed some healing qualities, 
removed the last vestige of fatigue felt by 
Philip Melvin. His bundle contained a clean 
shirt, old and patched, yet better that the one 


BILL brock’s investment. 


35 


lie had worn. With "this, and well brushed 
pants, he presented quite a respectable appear- 
ance, as he went to visit William Parsons and 
his brother. 

“ Good morning, Philip,” said the former, 
“ I am glad to see jou looking so well. Did 
you have a good sleep ? ” 

“ Yes, sir,” was the answer. “ I remem- 
bered what you told me, and trusted to God 
to take care of me.” 

“ That was right. Always remember to do 
that, and you’ll be likely to prosper.” 

“Mother used to say so;” and at this 
name, sweetest of all a child may speak, a 
great sob came into the boy’s throat. 

“ I see I must introduce myself,” now said 
Hugh, coming forward. “This is the boy 
Bill found trespassing upon our grounds, and 
so brought him home for safe keeping.” 

But for the laughing tone in which they 
were uttered, Phil might have been somewhat 


86 


BILL brock’s investment. 


alarmed at these words. As it was he looked 
up, with a smile, and replied, ‘‘ The black 
man found me, and took me home. Are you 
sorry ? ” 

‘‘ Sorry ! No, indeed. What put that into 
your head ? I’m always glad when good is 
done, though I’m not much of a Samaritan 
myself. I’m more like the man who fell 
among thieves. Do you think you shall like 
me ? ” 

A hasty glance at the face of the young 
man, and an answer was quickly given. 

“ Yes, sir, if you will let me.” 

“ Let you, child. Who ever knew me to 
refuse a good, honest liking from any one ? 
I take it that you are an honest little fellow.” 

“ Yes, sir. I mean to be honest. I prom- 
ised mother I would.” 

Hugh Parsons grew serious at once, and 
drawing the boy to a seat on the couch, sat 
down beside him. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


37 


Soon a familiar voice called the older broth- 
er, and he went out to make one of the 
committee which should decide what was best 
for Philip Melvin. 

“ Tliere must be a stir about him by this 
time ; but ’twould be a sin to send him back 
to his father,” said Bill Brock. ‘‘ He shan’t 
go, if I can help it. Fathers that drink rum 
no business to have children.” 

“ But you know his father can claim him,” 
replied Mr. Parsons. “ Something must be 
done to prevent that, if we would really bene- 
fit the boy. If his story is true, there will 
be no difficulty in doing this.” 

“ You don’t doubt that child’s story, do 
you ? ” asked the black man. 

‘‘ Not at all,” was the reply. “ He has an 
honest face, and his appearance confirms all 
that he says. It would be easy to ascertain 
the facts in the case, as we are but twenty 
miles from his home. If there is any excite- 


38 


BILL brock’s investment. 


ment in regard to his disappearance, news 
of it will have reached the village before 
now.” 

“ I might go over and see,” responded Bill. 
“ I meant to have fish for dinner, and the 
brook is on the other side of the woods, but 
if you think you can get along, I’ll put off 
fishing till to-morrow.” 

‘‘ I do think we can get along. The sooner 
this business is attended to, the better it will 
be.” 

“ Then I’ll go right along when I’ve got 
Mister Hugh’s, bath ready. ’Twon’t do to 
omit that, now the water is hot.” 

Mister Hugh was pleasantly engaged, but 
“ the doctor’s ” orders were imperative, and 
to the kitchen he went, tliere to wash and re- 
ceive strength. 

Bill Drock did not go to the village as he 
expected. When he emerged from the woods, 
swinging a tin pail, which he carried to give 


BILL brock’s investment. 39 

him an “appearance of business, he saw a 
white covered wagon in the distance, and sat 
down to wait for its approach. 

“ Hallo, there. Bill ! How are you ? ” 
shouted the owner of the wagon. “Want any 
of my wares ? ” 

“ That depends upon what they are,” was 
the reply. 

“ Gone into camp again, they say.” 

“ Yes, camp life suits me, when I have 
good company. What’s the news up your 
way ? Anybody robbed or murdered ? ” 

“ Ain’t sure about that,” answered the 
butcher, reining in his horse. “ I heard a 
pretty hard story, yesterday, about a man 
further up the river. Some folks think he 
killed his boy, though they can’t find the 
body. Any way, the boy’s gone, and I’m 
glad of it,” 

“ What’s the man’s name ? ” asked Bill, 
careful not to betray too much curiosity. 


40 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


“ Philip Melvin ; the worst drunkard, and 
the best workman in the county. His wife 
died only a few days ago, and she was as 
good as he is bad. The whole town is in a 
stir, and there's been some talk of arresting 
the man. But the most they can prove is 
that he was in the habit of beating this 
boy.’^ 

“ Hard case, ain’t it ? ” said the negro. 

“ Yes, ’tis,” was the response. “ But rum 
puts the devil into a man, and it must show 
put some way.” 

“ Do you suppose the boy is dead ? ” asked 
Bill. 

“ No. I believe he run away. 1 thought I 
got track of him once ; but if I did, I lost it 
again.” 

“ How does his father feel about him ? ” 

“ Pretty bad, if reports are true. He owns 
he whipped the boy after they went home 
from the funeral, and says he don’t know 


BILL brock’s investment. 


41 


anything about him since then. If you find 
a little chap here in the woods, just take good 
care of him, will you ? ’’ 

“ Trust me for that,” was the hearty an- 
swer. “ If I do any thing else, my name 
ain’t Bill Brock. Now, let’s see what you’ve 
got in your cart. Something good, or noth- 
ing.” 

The man knew this before being told, and, 
accordingly, produced his best pieces of meat, 
from which a selection was soon made. 

“ Well, I didn’t come out to meet you, but 
it’s lucky for me that I happened to. Now, 
I’ve got my pail full, and shan’t have to go to 
the village,” said Bill, plunging into the 
woods. 

He had heard what he wished to know, 
and was anxious to report. Forgetful of tlie 
heat, he hastened on, and, fortunately, met 
William Parsons before reaching the camp. 
The young man considered for a moment, 


42 


BILL brock’s investment. 


after listening to the story, and then said, “ I 
should like to see Mr. Melvin. It is only 
right that he should know his boy is safe.” 

“ Do you suppose he cares ? ” was the half-, 
indignant question which followed this re- 
mark. 

He cares for his own safety at least ; and 
it must be that he has some love for his 
child.” 

“ I believe most anything you say, Mr. 
Parsons, but I don’t believe that,” responded 
Bill, with emphasis. “ Such a man don’t 
love anything but liquor. I’ve lived longer 
in the world than you have, and seen some 
things, if I haint been through college.” 

Yes, my good friend, we all know that. 
But we won’t stop now, to dispute about this 
man’s affections. I’m not sure but it would 
be best for me to go up the river, aild see 
him. There is a stage up this afternoon, and 
something must be done, or Melvin can claim 
the boy wherever he can find him.” 


BILL, brock’s investment. 


43 


“ Well, yes, I guess that is just the thing 
needed. You can come back to-morrow, and 
I’ll stick to the camp, while you’re gone. 
We’ve got enough to eat for two days.” 

“ No danger of starving where you are,” 
responded AVilliam Parsons. “ You have 
proved yourself a first rate cook, and I am 
inclined to trust your medical knowledge. 
Hugh is improving, and I expect you will 
cure him entirely.” 

“ I shall keep on trying,” said the gratified 
doctor. “ And now we’d best go along, and 
have our dinner in good season, so you 
needn’t miss the stage. You won’t tell the 
boy where you’re going.” 

“ No, I don’t wish him to know. I left 
him talking with Hugh, and smiling through 
his tears. He must have had a good mother.” 

“ Yes, sir. I hardly ever see a good boy, 
who had a bad mother. That Bible, too, tells 
the story. It’s been read till it’s most worn 


out.” 


44 


BILL brock’s investment. 


If the breakfast had been good, the dinner 
had been better ; steak, broiled to a turn, with 
roasted potatoes, being the principal dish. 
No one would have accused Hugh Parsons of 
being an invalid, as he did more than justice 
to the food before him. 

“ Oh, give me the woods forever ! ” he 
exclaimed. “ There is but one drawback.” 

“ And what is that ? ” asked his brother. 

“ Our funds would fail to provide sufficient 
nourishment. Why, I eat like an animal.” 

And are you not an animal ? ” was the 
laughing response. 

“I used to think I was an intellectual 
being ; but my intellect having descended to 
my stomach, it must be that I am only an 
animal.” 

“ Good breadth of forehead remaining, 
nevertheless,” answered William. “ Brains 
will again assert their sway when occasion de- 
mands. Your health is improving rapidly.” 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


45 


‘‘ Yes, thanks to Bill and the breath of the 
pines, two of the best physicians in the world. 
You may expect soon to hear me startle the 
echoes. But the boy, William,” added Hugh. 
‘‘ Be sure you keep him from the clutches of 
his father. I wouldn’t have him go back to 
that brute for ten years of my life. There’s 
the making of a man in him.” 

Phil dreamed not how strong was the hold 
he had upon the sympathy and friendship of 
these brothers, all the stronger that he did 
not presume upon it. 

The afternoon stage received an additional 
passenger on its way; a young man, with 
light valise, and evidently intent upon busi- 
ness. Riding outside, William Parsons en- 
tered into conversation with the driver, and 
soon learned that the story Bill had heard in 
the morning was not exaggerated. Philip 
Melvin senior was worse than his child had 
represented ; more brutal and besotted. 


46 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ Some folks think he killed his boy,” said 
the driver, when speaking of him. “ But 
things don’t look that way to me. The boy 
may have wandered off and got lost in the 
woods. I could get lost, myself, in half an 
hour. A pretty lonesome place ; but dying in 
peace, if ’tis alone, aint so hard as being 
knocked round by such a man as Melvin. 
Every body’s glad the little chap’s got out of 
his reach.” 

“ He may be found yet,” responded Mr. 
Parsons. 

I haint a doubt of it. He’s only ten years 
old, too young for a long tramp ; and the 
whole country’s on the lookout for him. Mel- 
vin didn’t tell the boy was gone till yesterday, 
but by last night ‘there was quite a stir, and 
the old house was searched. There was some 
talk about the body being thrown into the 
river ; but the river’s a quarter of a mile off, 
and there’s no use thinking of that.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


47 


“ Was the boy like his father ? ” 

“ Like that old drunkard ? ” was the ex- 
clamation which greeted this question. “ No, 
indeed. He was like what his mother was 
when she was young, I reckon. Phil was 
smart, honest, and the brightest scholar in 
school. Melvin was proud of him, and had 
good reason.” 

William Parsons could have told a story in 
return ; but he chose to keep his own coun- 
sel, and the driver, who never lost an oppor- 
tunity for exercising his powers of speech, 
talked of the weather, farming and crops, 
occasionally reverting to the topic of general 
interest. At length, failing to elicit a satis- 
factory response, he turned to his companion 
with a direct question. 

‘‘ Camping out this summer, aint you ? ” 

“ Yes,” was the laconic reply. 

“ And I suppose you like it.” 

“ I have found it very pleasant,” answered 
Mr. Parsons. 


48 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ I used to like it, myself,” said the driver. 
“ But a logging-camp aint much like yours, 
with Bill Brock to do the cooking, and keep 
everything straight. I worked at lumbering 
a few winters, and got pretty well used up.” 

“ Lumbering must be hard work.” 

“ It is ; but it’s hard drinking, more than 
hard work, that uses up lumber men. I found 
that out by experience. I laid out one night, 
because I was too drunk to find my way back 
to camp, and have had the rheumatism to pay 
for it ever since. ’Twas a warmish night, in 
spring, or I should froze to death. I thought 
that was about enough ; so 1 swore, off, and 
haint drinked a drop since.” 

“ It would be a good thing if there was a 
general swearing off,” remarked an elderly 
man, who had taken but small part in the 
conversation. 

“ That’s a fact,” was the hearty response. 
“There’s no telling where a man will fetch 
up, when he begins to drink.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


49 


At length, when they had reached their 
destination, he exclaimed, “ Here we are at 
our journey’s end. That’s my house, over at 
the left, among the maples, and here, at the 
right, is Connecticut river; to my mind, the 
finest river in the country.” 

A crack of the long whip emphasized this, 
and the horses, knowing what was expected 
of them, dashed up to the village hotel in fine 
style. 


CHAPTER II. 


A mother’s prayers. It matters not 
How far we stray, how dark our lot; 
Though cold the lips, and still the heart 
Which in these prayers have borne a part: 
For each one registered in Heaven, 

Some blessing unto us is given. 


GLxiNCE, a word, the swerving from 
our path for a moment, and straight- 
way the tenor of our lives is changed, 
while others linked with us in the 
great scale of humanity, are blessed or cursed, 
as Providence allows. 

Twelve years before my story opens, Mary 
Reed was driving home from a neighbor’s, 
when her horse took fright and resisted all her 
efforts at control. Alarmed, and fast losing 



50 


BILL brock’s investment. 


51 


all self-possession, she was only too grateful 
when a firm hand seized the horse and held 
him without apparent effort. 

Here was the turning-point in the life of 
this young girl. The whirr of a bird’s wing 
had startled the horse, and given Philip Mel- 
vin an opportunity to display his coolness and 
strength. It was the first time he had met 
Mary Reed, to whom, but for this, he might 
have remained a stranger ; and the acquaint- 
ance thus commenced was continued, until 
drawn to him by an influence, she, in her 
symplicity, did not seek to analyze, she be- 
came his wife. A good workman, he pro- 
vided 'well for her during the early days of 
their married life, although even then she 
missed the tenderness she had expected to 
receive. 

Philip, named for her husband, was her 
first born child, fair and winsome as ever 
gladdened a young mother’s heart. As time 


52 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


went by, other children were given to her 
arms ; but they died too soon to know the sor- 
row which oppressed her. Nellie was the 
last ; the sister Phil had loved so well. 

“ Wasn’t it wrong for God to take her away 
from us ? ” asked the boy, with streaming 
eyes. “ It seems almost wicked, when we 
loved her so.” 

‘‘ No, my dear, it was right ; ” answered the 
weeping mother. “ Nellie is happy now. 
She can never be sick again, never cold or 
hungry ; and some day we shall go and live 
with her.” 

‘‘ Don’t go till I do, will you, mother ? ” 
then cried Phil, a new fear taking possession 
of his heart, as he looked into the pale face, 
and listened to the hollow cough he ^liad 
hardly noticed before. 

Three months more, and at the close of a 
summer’s day, far away from her childhood’s 
home, Mary Peed lay dying. Kind neighbors 


BILL brock’s investment. 


58 


stood around and wiped the death damp from 
her brow. The clergyman prayed for the soul 
about to take its flight, and for the husband 
and child who would be left. 

A few, maudlin tears coursed down tbe 
cheeks of the husband, too much intoxicated 
to feel anything like real grief. But the boy 
lay beside his mother, his cheek pressed close 
to hers, and his arm around her neck. The 
women in attendance protested against this, 
but she would not have him removed. So 
she died ; and still her child kept his place 
untiljsonvinced that he must go away. 

His father made some show of trying to 
comfort him, and uttered some expressions 
of sorrow at their mutual loss ; while every 
word made Phil more wretched. lie was old 
enough to know that hardship and unkindness 
had caused his mother’s death ; and knowing 
this, he almost hated him who had inflicted 
them upon her. 


64 


BILL brock’s investment. 


How the day and nights, which intervened 
before the funeral, were passed, he could 
hardly tell. He had but one feeling. He 
was orphaned. No loud wailing testified to 
his grief. As one who watched him said, 
“ He didn’t cry like a child, but like a man.” 

At the funeral, Mr. Melvin was sober, and 
manifested some regret for the wife whom he 
had really murdered as though he had 'put a 
knife to her throat. Yet no sooner was he 
alone with his boy, that evening, than he 
took a dram from the old brown jug in the 
cupboard. 

There was not enough to satisfy him. 
Some of it had been used for other purposes 
than drinking, and he commenced to swear. 
Phil made no reply ; indeed seemed scarcely 
to hear what was said, until roused by a 
command to “ go over to Brown’s and get the 
jug filled.” 

0, father, I can’t do that,” was his an- 



Phil’s Refusal. Page 54 





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BILL brock’s investment. 


swer. MoUier told me never to buy any 
more rum, and I promised her I wouldn’t.” 

Already excited, vexed with the child who 
had shrank from him, even when standing by 
an open grave, Mr. Melvin repeated his com- 
mand, with an oath, threatening to flog Phil 
within an inch of his life, if he refused to 
obey. 

“ But I can’t do it, father. I promised 
mother.” 

“ Curses on 'you and your mother ! ” shout- 
ed the now infuriated man, seizing a rattan, 
and proceeding to put his threat in execution. 

Had outcries followed the blows, he might 
have continued until his rage had spent itself ; 
but instead of these there were only a firmer 
compression of the boy’s Ups, and a more 
ghastly pallor of the child’s face. 

The words he had heard, the curses, had 
taken from Phil all sense of physical pain, 
lie would liave died without a groan, and 


56 


BILL brock’s investment. 


perhaps his father feared this ; for he walked 
to the other side of the room and sat down. 

Soon Phil crawled up stairs, and throwing 
himself upon his low bed, thought, thought, 
until his brain reeled, and for a little while, 
he seemed to sleep. When he awoke to con- 
sciousness, there was no sound to be heard. 
His father had found more of the fiery drink, 
and would not trouble him again that night. 

Gradually the boy recalled all which had 
passed ; blows, curses, hunger and cold. He 
knew there were happy homes, where these 
came not, and wondered if in some such 
home he might not earn a right to share the 
humblest corner. Was there not, somewhere, 
a woman like his mother, who would let him 
love and serve her ? 

He began to feel the smart and pain of the 
blows he had just received, and scalding tears 
coursed down his cheeks. 

His decision was made. He would go 


BILL brock’s investment. 


67 


away. He knew not where ; but anywhere to 
be out of his father’s reach. A rough box 
contained his treasures ; his mother’s Bible, a 
few other books, and some toys given him 
long ago. Eepairing his clothes was the last 
work done by the hands, now folded over a 
pulseless breast; and ‘from these he selected 
what he thought he should most need, tying 
them in a cotton handkerchief. He dared not 
encumber himself with much, yet the precious 
Bible must not be left behind. 

Just as the moon rose, a little past mid- 
night, he glided from the house, and turned 
his steps to where a fresh mound of earth 
marked the last resting-place .of his mother. 
Here he lingered, unmindful tliat time was 
passing, until the crowing of a cock warned 
him that morning was near. 

Out into the highway he went, not reso- 
lutely, but in a sort of despair, terrible for one 
so young to feel. When the first faint light 


58 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


appeared iii the East, he quickened his steps, 
fearful that he might be seen by some early 
riser. 

As the day advanced, he turned aside into 
clumps of bushes, or sought shelter in the 
forest skirting the road. 

A piece of bread, snatched from the kitchen 
table, was the only food he had taken, and 
this was but small provision against hunger. 
At length, just before night, he ventured up to 
a lonely house, and asked for something to 
eat. The woman who granted liis request, 
wished to know why he w'as not at home ; but 
he managed to evade her questions without 
telling a falsehood. 

That night he slept in an old barn, where 
by the waning light he read a chapter from 
his mother’s Bible, and kneeling down asked 
God to keep him safely. For a time, after he 
awoke next morning, it seemed to him that 
he must be dreaming ; but when able to com- 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


59 


prebend his situation, he sprang up quickly, 
anxious to increase the distance between him- 
self and his father. 

He felt the cravings of hunger, but dared 
not ask for food ; so eating some berries 
which he found by the wayside and drinking 
from the fountains, at which the panting 
horses slaked their thirst, he struggled on. 
He entered the pine forest, keeping within 
its shadow, to avoid the passers by, yet care- 
ful not to lose sight of the road. Forced to 
rest he fell asleep, from sheer exhaustion, and 
upon awaking in a bewildered state, plunged 
deeper into the forest. It was then be lost 
his way, but not quite losing faith in God, 
lay down, with his bundle for a pillow. What 
followed my readers already know, and we 
turn to the wretched father. 

The morning after his wife’s funeral, Mr. 
Melvin rose in a sullen, gloomy mood, went 
to the cupboard and again drained the old 


60 


BILL brock’s investment. 


brown jug ; then looked to see what had been 
left from last night’s supper. There was not 
much, but what there was, he ate, without 
thinking that his child might be hungry. 

The rattan lay upon the floor, just where it 
had fallen from his hand ; and this reminded 
him of the blows he had inflicted. He re- 
membered, too, the boy’s strange appearance, 
and going to the foot of the stairs, called his 
name loudly. There was no reply ; and he 
called again, more loudly than before. Still 
no reply; and, with an oath, he began to 
mount the creaking stairs. 

Unable to stand erect in the low attic, he 
muttered forth his displeasure, as he groped 
his way to the bed. He was ready to seize 
the sleeper roughly ; and started back in 
alarm, when he found the bed unoccupied. 

“ Phil, Phil,” he cried, in a softened tone, 
at the same time peering into the dark corners 
of the loft. “ Come out. I won’t hurt you. 
I want you. Come. There’s a good boy.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


61 


But the good boy did not appear ; and Mr. 
Melvin commenced a vigorous search. Satis- 
fied, at last, that no boy was to be found 
there, he returned to the kitchen, and called 
again. The outbuildings were examined with 
no satisfactory result. 

He was thirsty, and there was money in his 
pocket, but he would not leave the house to 
purchase the drink liis appetite craved. He 
thought Phil could not have gone far, and 
would soon return ; so he waited, sometimes 
' angry, and sometimes fearful. During the 
I day, two or three neighbors called, and, to 
' their enquiries, he answered that Phil was up 
i stairs asleep, and he did not wish to disturb 
: him. No one thought of doubting this, and 
i the man being surly, he was soon left alone. 

; By night he was thoroughly alarmed, yet 
ij would not betray his secret. Phil was gone. 

|; There was no doubt of that ; and after long, 

|i restless hours spent in trying to find some 


62 


BILL DEOCK’S investment. 


means of finding him, there seemed no al- 
ternative but to make the matter public. 

The clergyman, Mr. Wells, called early in 
the morning, and expressed a wish to see the 
boy. At this, Mr. Melvin acknowledged the 
truth. 

‘‘ And you made no effort to find him ? 
was the reply. 

“ 1 looked every where I could think of,” 
responded the father. 

‘‘ And you really know nothing of him,” 
said Mr. Wells, looking his companion full in 
the face. 

“ No, sir. What should I know. I told 
you I hadn’t seen him since night before 
last.” 

‘‘Was there any trouble between you?”' 
questioned the visitor. 

“ None, in particular. He didn’t do some- 
thing I told him, and I struck him two or i 
three times, not hard enough to make him cry ; 


BILL DROGK’S investment. 


63 


though. He went up stairs to bed well 
enough.” 

“ Mr. Melvin, do you ever stop to consider 
what will be the end of your present course ? 
Your wife died before her time. Are you 
guiltless of her death ? She has gone home 
to heaven, and for aught I know, her child 
may have joined her.” 

“ No, no, don’t say that,” exclaimed Mr. 
Melvin. ‘‘ Phil can’t be dead. I didn’t kill 
him. I only struck him two or three times ; 
and I’ve whipped him a good deal worse than 
that, before.” 

This confession of cruelty was made with- 
out thought of its effect, and only served to 
confirm Mr. Wells’ suspicions. Some further 
questions, eliciting nothing satisfactory, and 
the visitor left. 

Before night, the town was in a state of 
excitement. The selectmen toolc, the ^matter 
ill hand, and there was a general search. 


• 64 


BILL DBOCK’S investment. 


while the wildest rumors were told and heard. 
When the stage drove up to the village 
tavern, the third day after Phil Melvin’s dis- 
appearance, the piazza was crowded with men 
and boys, all eager for news. 

“ Hain’t heard a word,” said the driver in 
reply to the voices which greeted him. 
“ Hain’t you got anything to tell yourselves ? ” 

“ No ; we’ve hunted and hunted, and hain’t 
found so much as a lock of the boy’s hair.” 

William Parsons looked round upon the 
group, for a moment, and then passed into 
the house, the landlord following. “I wish 
to see a clergyman, and shall be obliged if 
you will direct me to one,” said the new 
comer. 

‘‘ Our minister, Mr. Wells, is right out here, 
and Pll call him, sir,” was the quick reply. 
“ You see, there’s a boy missing, and the 
people get together to talk it over. We don’t 
generally have such a crowd round here.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


65 


Mr. Wells came in, and although an entire 
stranger, met the young man cordially. In 
ten minutes the mystery of the day was 
' solved, and there remained only the necessity 
of discussing what was best to be done. 

‘‘ I promised the boy that I wouldn’t send 
him back to his father,” said William Parsons. 
“ I must keep that promise, at all events. 
Phil would rather die than come back.” 

“ It’s not strange,” replied Mr. Wells. 

There is his father coming down the street, 
certainly not a man to attract any one ; ” and 
as he said this, he pointed to a large, cearse 
looking man, some distance up the street. ‘‘ I 
pity Melvin, vile as he is, and he ought to 
know that his child is safe.” 

“ Not until he relinquishes all claim upon 
his child,” suggested Mr. Parsons. “ Such 
men are not to be trusted, and Philip has a 
right to his own life.” 

Yes,” was the response, ‘‘ Mrs. Melvin 


66 


BILL brock's investment. 


was a woman who never talked of her troubles, 
but she told me she had written to her only 
brother, asking him to befriend her boy when 
she was gone. I know she expected a letter 
before she died, and was very anxious in re- 
gard to it. If a letter should come addressed 
to her, under the circumstances, I should take 
the liberty to open it. If Mr. Reed would 
take the boy, I am sure that the selectmen 
would arrange the matter so that Melvin 
could not interfere. I think I will go to the 
office, if you will excuse me.” 

Tli^re was a letter for Mrs. Mary Melvin, 
marked at the town where her brother re- 
sided, and in the presence of the post-master 
Mr. Wells read it, after explaining his reasons 
for so doing. It was well it had not arrived 
sooner, since its contents would have given 
only pain to her for whom they had been 
written. 

Phil could come, if there was nowhere else 


BILL brock’s investment. 


67 


for him to go, although the writer thought 
likely his sister would get well, after all. He 
had as much as he could do, to. take care of 
his own family, and his children had to help 
earn their living. 

“ Anything good for the boy, if he’s ever 
found ? ” asked the post-master. 

‘‘ I’m afraid not,” answered Mr. Wells. 
“We must club together and do something 
for him ourselves.” 

“ That’s so,” remarked an old farmer, who 

had overheard this last remark. “ I’m ready 

% 

to help, or I’ll take the boy myself, if Mel- 
vin’ll give him up.” 

“ He’ll be obliged to give him up,” said 
another. “ It’s my opinion that boy’^ dead, 
long ago ; but if any body’ll find him. I’ll take 
hold and do my part towards giving him some- 
thing handsome.” 

Much feeling was manifested ; but Mr. 
Wells had seen enough of human nature to 


G8 


BILL brock’s investment. 


know how evanescent it might be. He re- 
ported the contents of Mr. Reed’s letter to his 
new acquaintance, and both decided that a 
home for Phil must be sought elsewhere. 

The selectmen were summoned, and Wil- 
liam Parsons having the rare faculty of telling 
a story in few words, his business was soon 
understood. 

“It’s a pretty hard case to ask a man to 
give up all claim to his own child,” said one 
of the town fathers, whose heart had been 
somewhat softened towards Melvin by the 
manifestations of the last few days. 

“ I know it is,” was the reply. “ But it is 
not so had as that a brutal man should heap 
abuse upon a child until death is preferred to 
life.” 

“ Who will be responsible for the support 
of the boy ? ” asked another, who, now that 
the excitement was about to subside, began to 
count the cost. 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


69 


As this was what William Parsons had ex- 
pected, he answered, without hesitation, I 
will be responsible, if necessary,” thus sham- 
ing him who had asked the question. 

“ I suppose the town could see to that,” he 
said, hurriedly. “ We could take the boy 
from his father on the plea of cruelty, and 
bind him out to some good man.” The very 
thought of this made Mr. Parsons wince ; but 
he waited to see what might follow. 

“ Wouldn’t it be as well to call Mr. Melvin, 
before Esquire Todd, and have the whole mat- 
ter settled this afternoon ? ” now asked Mr. 
Wells. “ It will put an end to the excite- 
ment ; and that seems desirable.” 

“ Certainly, certainly,” answered those in 
authority, and at once proceeded to act upon 
the suggestion. 

Between abstinence from accustomed stimu- 
lant, and anxiety for his child, Mr. Melvin 
was in a condition to yield to any demands 


TO 


BILL brock’s investment. 


which might be made upon him. Without 
attempting to deny that he had often been se- 
vere, he said he “ didn’t mean to abuse Phil.” 
He wanted to do what was right by the boy. 

“You don’t think he’s dead,” at length he 
said, so piteously that William Parsons could 
no longer withhold the truth. 

Then it was wonderful to see how the ex- 
pression of the father’s face changed. Any 
one could tell how Phil would be received, and 
short work was made of the business in hand. 
Mr. Melvin relinquished the custody of his 
child, and Mr. Parsons assumed the guardian- 
ship. This, with the story of Phil’s wander- 
ings, was repeated from one to another, gain- 
ing with each additional voice, until the fab- 
ulous record would hardly have been recog- 
nized if compared with the simple truth. 
Many had heard of Bill Drock, who was the 
hero of the hour, and numerous legends were 
told of the old pine forest, each more won- 


BILL brock’s investment. 


71 


drous than the one which preceded. The 
idlers, of whom there are plenty in every vil- 
lage, strove to catch a glimpse of William 
Parsons. They had known, at 'first, that 
his coming had something to do with Phil 
Melvin. He was camping out, and the boy 
was in camp with him. 

There was a general rejoicing, but, in the 
midst of it, Mr. Melvin walked silently to his 
lonely home. No one congratulated him. 
He was alone. Ah, then he thought of his 
wife, who had loved him, despite his neglect 
and unkindness ; of the baby arms which had 
clasped his neck, and the death angels’ visits. 

As a flash of lightning, for a moment, dis- 
pels the thickest gloom, and reveals the mi- 
nutest objects, so his past life rose before him. 
Again he looked into the face of Mary Reed, 
young, trusting, and affectionate. He had 
loved her, once, as he was capable of loving; 
and yet he had made her married life one 


72 


BILL brock’s investment. 


prolonged agony. Only Phil remained, and 
he, away, worse than dead to him. 

The old house he had called home, for three 
years, was fast falling to decay. The smoke- 
stained plaster had dropped from the walls, 
and the floors were broken. It afforded a 
poor shelter, at best, and was now doubly 
desolate, when no fire burned on the hearth. 

Philip Melvin cursed himself, for a fool, as 
he sat there, while night d!^e^> its sable cur- 
tains round him. He should have been Imn- 
gry, for he had fasted the entire day, yet he 
was conscious of no desire for food. Burning 
thirst parched his throat and lips, while his 
eyes seemed protruding from their sockets. 
Thus he recognized the symptoms of that most 
terrible of all mental and physical suffering, 
“ delirium tremens.” 

He threw himself upon the bed, and then 
for hours endured the very torments of the 
lower world. How he struggled to avoid the 


BILL brock’s investment. 


73 


imps, who mocked him with their frightful 
shapes and fury breath, he knew by the scene 
which greeted him in the morning. 

He was lying upon the floor, while around 
him were strewn broken chairs, pieces of 
crockery, and even tin dishes, twisted into 
every conceivable form. In his imaginary 
conflict, he must have clutched at tlie walls, 
I as the laths were now uncovered. His hands, 
j bruised and bleeding, held long strips which 
he had torn from the covering of his bed. 

His strength was so exhausted that it was 
witli difficulty he rose from the floor; and 
then the horror of his situation almost over- 
powered him. If rum had been within his 
reach, he might have drinked, and relapsed 
again into unconsciousness ; but wanting this, 
he was forced to think of food. 

Some one had remembered him, the previ- 
ous day, and placed in his cupboard a bowl 
of coffee, and loaf of bread. Fortunately 


74 


BILL brock’s investment. 


these had escaped the general destruction, and i 
furnished what he most aieeded. Slightly re- 
freshed, the necessity for immediate action I 
stared him in the face. He coidd not, would j 
not stay where he was, to be scorned and 
despised. i 

He began to set his house in order, or 
rather, to remove the traces of last night’s 
experience. What fragments could be burned 
’were consigned to the flames ; wdiile a large 
heap of rubbish was conveyed to the en- i 
closure back of the house. This was the* 
garden cultivated, more by his wife and child, 
than himself, and now offering its first fruits. 
He could not bear the sight. Each leaf ut- 
tered a dumb reproach, and he returned to 
the house. 

One room, which had been closed, and 
which contained a bed, bureau, rocking chair, 
and table, part of his wife’s wedding outfit, 
was just as it had been left by the women. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


J5 

who cared for the dead and dying. Every 
article in the drawers was clean and smooth ; 

t of no great intrinsic value, yet greatly prized 
by her to whom they had belonged. 

I Mr. Melvin was in debt, and money could 
be raised upon these articles, but, for once, he 
recognized other claims. This furniture, by 
right, now belonged to his child. 

He closed the door, and shut it in, then 
went up stairs, where, in his weakness and 
newly awakened emotions, he threw himself 
upon the low bed, and hugged the pillow Phil 
had wet with tears. Here, the father’s heart 
was melted, until he could have gone down 
upon his knees, and begged his boy’s forgive- 
ness. He was not wholly given over to the 
demon, as his tears testified. 

In the afternoon, Mr. Wells felt moved to 
call upon this miserable man, whom others 
seemed anxious to avoid. I hope he’ll leave 
town, and never show his head here again,” 


76 


BILL brock’s investment. 


said one ; and this expressed the general feel- 
ing in regard to him. The man, by whom he 
had been employed, and who counted him a 
first rate workman, able to do more and bet- 
ter, in a given time than any other, was glad 
to be rid of him. 

Mr. Melvin found liim in a far different ; 
mood from what he had expected. “ I am | 
glad to see you,” was the greeting he gave. ' 
“ I was just wanting a friend’s advice.” 

“ I shall be glad to aid you in any way that , 
I can,” replied the clergyman. “ I trust you i 
consider me a friend.” 

“ Yes, sir, a better one than I deserve. I i 

i 

don’t deserve any, and I’ve no hard feelings 
against you, for what you said yesterday. I’m 
going away, and what there is here, I want to 
leave for Phil. ’Tain’t much, but ’twas his 
mother’s, and he’ll prize it. I want somebody 
to take care of it, and I was thinking about 
going* oyer to ask you if you would. I know 


BILL brock’s investment. 


77 


■you’ve got a great house, and thought, perr 
haps, you’d find room for it.” 

“ I think we can manage it,” answered Mr. 
Wells, astonished at what he heard. ‘‘ But 
where are you going ? ” 

‘‘ I don’t know, sir, and ’tain’t any use 
making promises ; but if I live three months, 
you’ll hear from me. Tm owing some, and 

! likely somebody’ll want the things to pay 
my debts ; but if you’ll only keep them three 
months. I’ll pay up everything.” 

“ How much do you owe ? ” 

“ I don’t know, exactly, and that’s another 
thing I want you to help me about. I’ll tell 
■ you who the men are, and I’ll send you the 
money if you’ll let me. Then I’ll pay you 

! for your trouble, if I live. If I don’t, will 
you let Phil know that I thought of him ? ” 
“Yes, Mr. Melvin, I will;” and there was a 

1 clasping of hands, while the two men wept in 
silence. 


I 


78 


BILL brock’s investment. 


Mr. Wells made a long call ; but this did 
not prevent him from going again in the even- 
ing, when he carried some nicely prepared 
food, sent by his wife. He had seen Melvin’s 
creditors, and arranged with them to wait 
three months without making any claims to 
the furniture, which he promised to remove to 
his own house the next day. 

Mr. Melvin’s gratitude for this, and all past 
favors, was strongly expressed. ‘‘ I don’t 
want to make many promises,” he said, in a 
faltering voice. “ It never was my way ; blit 
I’m going to see what will and strength can 
do. It may be that Phil will be glad to come 
back to me yet. If he does, they can’t take 
him away, can they ? ” 

“No one will wish to take him away,” re- 
plied Mr. Wells, and this assurance seemed 
greatly to comfort the father. 

“ Are .you willing I should read from the 
Bible, and pray with you, before we sepa- 
rate ? ” was asked, later. 


BILL brock’s INVESTx^IENT. 79 

“ There ain’t any Bible in the house,” said 
Mr. Melvin. Mary had one, and I’ve been 
looking for it this afternoon ; but 1 guess Phil 
took it, when he went away. I wanted it to 
carry with me, but he had the best right.” 

“ Tlien let us pray,” was the response. 
Prayer ended, Mr. AVells bade his friend good 
night, and left the house. 

After this, Philip Melvin ate part of the 
food which had been sent him, put the rest in 
his coat pocket, and taking a short walking 
stick ill one hand, with a bundle in the other, 
went out beneath the stars, and started for a 
town forty miles distant. As he passed the 
graveyard, he paused, for a moment, and then 
went on wdthout entering. 

Not yet, not yet,” he murmured, brushing 
away the tears which blinded him. 

If his child had seen him thus, there would 
have been no shrinking away in terror. But 
the boy was resting sweetly in the stillness of 


80 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


the woods, having fallen asleep with a happy 
smile upon his face, as he thought that for 
him there were no more cruelty and blows. 

Willianl Parsons had told him the cause of 
his absence, and its results. 

‘‘ And did you see father ? ’’ asked Phil, 
eagerly. 

“ I did,” was the reply. “ I saw him and 
talked with him.” 

And did he care because I came away ? ” 

‘‘ Yes, I think he had been very anxious 
about you,” answered the young man. 

“Was he — ” Here Phil liesitated, but 
after a short pause, he found courage to pro- 
pose his question in a different form. “ Had 
father been drinking ? ” 

“ I think not. 1 saw nothing in liis appear- 
ance which indicated it.” 

“ Then I guess he felt bad,” was the boy’s 
conclusion. “ Did he say he wanted to see 
me?” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


81 


‘‘ He didn’t say so in so many words, but 
lie thought it very hard that he must give you 
up.’’ 

“ Give me up ? ” repeated Phil, with a 
strange, bewildered look. Ain’t he my 
father, now ? ” 

“ Of course he is ; but lie has no control 
over you. I am your guardian now.” 

“ Do you mean that you are going to take 
care of me, and I must do what you say ? ” 
asked the boy. ■ 

‘‘ Something like that,” replied Mr. Par- 
sons, smiling. “ Shall you like it, like to be 
my little brother, and try to make a good, 
useful man ? ” 

How the tears rained over the pale cheeks, 
as great choking sobs came, one after another, 
swelling up into Phil’s throat ! It was all so 
strange ; and this giving up of the old life, 
dark as it had been, was somewhat sad. In 
that life his mother had loved him. 


82 


BILL brock’s investment. 


Gradually the violence of liis emotions 
spent itself, and turning to his friend, he said, 
with a tremulous voice, “ I ain’t good enough 
to be your brother ; but I love you, and I’ll do 
what you tell me.” 

‘‘ We will see about the goodness,” W'as 
answered, cheerfully. ‘‘ I expect you to make 
one of the best men in the world ; and Hugh 
expects it, too.” 

‘‘Yes,” responded Hugh, laughing. “ Here 
is brother William going to be a minister, 
while nobody knows what I shall be. Noth- 
ing very remarkable, if* one may judge from 
present appearances ; so we must look to you 
for family honors.” 

Thus an important matter was settled 
without much apparent forethought ; yet AVil- 
liam Parsons had not assumed the responsi- 
bility of caring for the boy without serious 
and prayerful consideration. He had counted 
the cost, and although not quite sure how it 


BILL brock’s investment. 


83 


would be done, he intended to naake this boy’s 
life useful and happy. Another had laid the 
foundation upon which, he trusted, with God’s 
help, to rear a noble superstruction. 

Hugh had spoken lightly, but when Phil 
went out his manner changed. 

These brothers had been left witli a small 
patrimony, which, with judicious manage- 
ment, had thus far sufficed for their wants. 
The elder had nearly prepared for his chosen 
profession, and the younger, after a thorough 
academic course, had spent one year in col- 
lege. This, too, was his last, as the most 
skilful physicians had told him. To give up 
study seemed to him like^giving up all whicli 
made life desirable ; yet there was no alterna- 
tive. Ambitious dreams faded, and fond 
hopes were crushed. 

“ I only vegetate,” he said, one day, to his 
brother. Why should I desire to live, when 
I can accomplisli nothing ? ” 


84 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


This bitter mood was not often upon him, 
and when it came was the result of physical 
weakness and nervous depression, rather than 
of willful rebellion against a wise providence. 
Phil Melvin’s appearance gave him a new ob- 
ject of interest, and he, quite as much as his 
brother, wished to benefit the boy. In a few 
weeks they would leave the forest ; William 
would return to the Seminary, Hugh to his 
boarding-place, with an old friend of his 
mother, and Phil must be provided for else- 
where. But where was the question. 

“ It is not necessary to decide to-night,” at 
length said William. “ It was not chance 
which sent him here, and the future will yet 
be made plain.” 

Phil Melvin had confidence in Mr. Parsons, 
and really loved him for his kindness ; but he 
could talk of some things more freely with 
Bill, and now there was a subject which 
troubled him. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


85 


“ What are you thinking about ? ” asked 
the negro, after they had eaten supper, and 
he observed that his companion was more 
thoughtful than usual. 

“ I was thinking how much it would cost to 
keep me,” was the answer. “ Mr. Parsons 
says he is going to take care of me ; but I 
must earn some money myself. I’ll do just 
what he says, but I can’t.be a beggar.” 

“ Beggar ! ” repeated Bill. “ Who ever 
thought of your being a beggar? Mr. Par- 
sons didn’t say so, did he ? ” 

‘‘ No, sir ; but I know what beggar means. 
It’s when somebody gives you something, and 
you don’t give any thing back. I shouldn’t be 
a beggar to father, because I belong to him ; 
but I don’t belong to Mr. Parsons. I ain’t his 
boy.” 

“ I guess you are, now- Didn’t he tell 
you?” 

“ Yes, sir ; but it don’t seem right. I 


86 BILL brock’s investment. 

wanted to earn some money myself. Would 
not somebody have me ? Mother said I 
helped her ever so much, and’ I’d try to do all 
I could. Can’t you find me a place ? ” 

The boy asked this so earnestly that Bill 
Drock was forced to give attention, and al- 
though considering him but little more than a 
baby, promised to see what could be done. 

“ And will you jtell Mr. Parsons ? I’m 
afraid he’ll think I don’t want to do what he 
says ; but I do, only I can’t be a beggar.” 

“ Yes, I’ll tell him all about it,” answered 
Bill, and for the time, satisfied with this, Phil 
Melvin took his Bible and read until too late 
for him to see. 

“ Little boys like me work in factories, 
sometimes,” he said, after laying down his 
Bible. “ I’ve read about it. Did you ever 
see a factory ? ” 

‘‘Yes, I’ve seen one, and don’t want to see 
another,” was the reply. “ Don’t talk about 


BILL brock’s investment. 87 

working in such a close, dirty place. I’d 
rather camp out the rest of my life, than stay 
in such a place as that. It’s no place for a 
baby like you.” 

“ I ain’t a baby,” said Phil, with a slight ex- 
hibition of annoyance. “ I am ten years old ; 

% 

and I thought I might earn some money in a 
factory.” 

“ Perhaps you might, but there'll be some- 
thing better than that for you. Any way. I’ll 
talk to Mr. Parsons about it. He knows best, 
and you ean trust him. So go to sleep, and 
not think anything more about it.” 

But Phil could not do this. Thoughts 
would come, although he closed his eyes and 
tried hard to follow his friend’s advice. 

“ An independent little fellow,” said Hugh, 
the next morning, when Bill Drock repeated 
this conversation. “ I like him all the better 
for it ; but I guess we can manage to take care 
of him, without putting him into a factory.” 


88 


RILL brock’s investment. 


‘‘ But let him work some,” responded Bill. 
‘‘ He’ll be happier, and ’twill do him good 
every way. Let him think he’s doing some- 
thing for himself.” 

“ He don’t look like a boy that can fight 
his way through,” Hugh replied. 

“Not fight his way, but make it, or I’m 
much mistaken. There’s more in him than 
you think. He’s got the real grit. He 
showed that by starting off alone to seek his 
fortune. He’s good, too ; a Christian, if I 
know what Christian means. Just give him 
a helping hand ; but don’t try to carry him. 
Show him the way to go, and let him use his 
own feet.” 

“ You are right,” answered William Par- 
sons, after some consideration, his own gen- 
erous impulses yielding to the clearer judg- 
ment of his companion. “ I will try to put 
him in a way of helping himself. But he will 
stay here while we do ; and if we had some 
suitable books, he might study.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


89 


‘‘ I can get some books when I go to the 
village, if — ” 

“And I will play the part of teacher,” 
added Hugh, without waiting for the comple- 
tion of Bill’s sentence. Here, I’ve calculated 
on making some great sacrifices, for tlie sake 
of henefitting this boy, and now you take 
away my cliance of winning a crown, for such 
unselfishness. If I can do nothing more, I 
can hear him spell abomination, and conju- 
gate the verb, to love.” 

“There’ll be enough to do,” answ^ered the 
“ man of all work,” smiling at Hugh’s long 
speech. “ The boy belongs to the company. 
I found him, and I want to do something for 
him myself. I’ve been thinking it over. I 
hain’t anybody but the old woman, and it 
don’t cost much to keep her. I’m a poor 
man, but I’ve got a strong pair of hands,” he 
added, bringing them together with a ringing 
clap. “ If ’twas best, I suppose, God would 


90 


BILL brock’s investment. 


have given me some children, to look after ; 
but he ain’t, and this boy has come pretty 
near my heart. I want you to let me do my 
share towards taking care of him.” 

Bill Brock carried this point; indeed, it 
would have been nearly impossible to'^ refuse 
him. His interest in Phil Melvin was as 
g-reat as that of the brothers, ^d it was 
through no fault of head or heart that he 
could not manifest it in the same way. 

Phil was willing to stay in the woods, if he 
could be employed. ‘‘ Mother said it was 
wrong to be idle, and she always worked.” 

Ah ! mother was his mentor, now, even as 
she had been during her life ; and often, when 
he thought himself unobserved, he wept as 
he remembered her kindness. 

She had prayed that God would raise up 
friends for her child ; and he had done so, not 
in her way, but his own. 

Who shall say, when prayer is offered, how 


BILL brock’s investment. 


91 


it shall be answered ! He, who sees the end 
from the beginning, ofttimes withholds, that, 
giving in larger measure, our cup may in the 
future overflow, and we, with grateful hearts, 
may say, “ He doeth all things well.” 


CHAPTER III. 


N. 


Never too late, while life remains; 

Never too late, to wash the stains 
From a guilty soul, in the crimson tide. 
Which floweth fast from the Saviour’s side. 
Oh, never too late ! Christ died for all : 

And none have wandered beyond recall. 


PETTY tight work,” said one furnace ! 
man to another, a sultry summer af- 
ternoon. ‘‘Jones, sick, because he 
would get drunk ; Mason, gone for a 
week, and Gilley, off on a spree. The boss |! 
won’t get through with his contracts, unless 1 
somebody comes down from above to help 1 
us.” J 

“ That’s so,” was the reply. “ I want some -1 



92 


BILL brock’s investment. 


93 


rest myself. I promised my wife I’d go away 
visiting with her ; but I can’t do it, as work 
is now. Bangs don’t know which way to 
turn ; and he’s as bad off on the other side as 
he is here. The hammers are half of them 
still.” 

Charles Bangs, chief owner of the furnace 
and shovel factory, was at the same time 
sitting in his counting room, calculating the 
chances of filling two large contracts made 
some months before. 

At the time when he most needed them, 
his workmen failed him, and this was the 
more annoying as it might have been avoided. 
Sickness, in one instance, had been induced 
by dissipation ; and now three of those who 
could render him best service, were ‘‘ off on a 
spree.” No help for it either. If ho dis- 
charged them, he could not fill their places, 
and half a loaf was better than no bread. 

Knitting his brows, in a vain effort to solve 


94 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


the difficulty, he turned his chair so that he 
could look through an open window, up the 
long line of dusky road which led to The 
Furnaces. Presently his eye caught tlie fig- 
ure of a man, carrying coat, valise, and walk- 
ing stick, in a way which showed that he had 
carried them far. Straight to tlie counting 
room came this man, without hesitation, as 
though sure of a welcome. 

“ Do you want help, sir ? ” 

Tlie question was asked at once, without 
any preliminary greeting, and was as quickly 
answered. 

‘‘ I do want help.” 

“ And I want work.” 

‘‘ Sit down. Sit down,” said Mr. Bangs, 
pushing a chair towards the new comer. 
“ This is a hot day for walking.” 

Yes, sir, I suppose it is.” 

“You look as though you might know from 
experience,” was the reply to this somewhat 
vague remark. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


95 


‘‘ Yes, sir, I have taken quite a tramp since 
last night.” 

‘‘ How far have you come ? ” 

“ Forty miles.” 

I 

‘‘ Forty miles ! ” repeated Mr. Bangs. 
“ You don’t mean that you have walked forty 
miles ? ” 

Yes, sir, every step of it. I came here to 
get work, and if you’ll give it to me, I shall 
be glad.” 

“ What can you do ? ” 

“ Most anything with iron. I was brought 
up to it from a boy.” 

“ Then you are just the man I want, if I 
can depend upon you.” 

“ You can depend upon me to work every 
day, full hours, and — . But Fll let my work 
speak for itself.” 

‘‘ I suppose you’ll want to rest a day or 
two, before you begin,” said Mr. Bangs, look- 
ing closely at his companion, as though calcu- 
lating what might be expected of him. 


96 


RILL brock’s investment. 


“ No, sir, I’ll be ready for work in the 
morning,” was the reply. “ I need money, 
and I’ve no time to waste.” 

Then followed a short talk in regard to 
wages and time of payment. 

“ You’ll want a boarding place.” 

‘‘ Yes, sir ; or a room where I can board 
myself. I want to get along as cheap as I 
can.” 

Have you a family ? ” 

The man hesitated, and then said with ap- 
parent effort, “No, sir. My wife died a few 
days ago, and I’ve given my boy into some- 
body else’s care.’^ 

“ Father, can I go swimming with the other 
boys ? ” 

Philip Melvin started at the sound of the 
voice which asked the question, so like was it 
to that of his own boy ; but he quickly con- 
trolled himself, and listened for the answer, 
which was given decidedly but kindly. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


97 


“ No, Freddie, I can’t let you go. Mother 
won’t like to trust her boy in the water to-day. 
You can find some other amusement.” 

“ Yes, sir,” answered Freddie, pleasantly ; 
and as he walked away from the window, 
dewy eyes watched him until out of sight. 

Yes, it was Philip Melvin who had walked 
the entire distance from his old home, and 
now sat in the counting room of C. Bangs & 
Co. He was not obliged to walk, or, at least, 
he was not obliged to do this for want of 
money ; but he was impelled by a spirit of 
restlessness, which would not allow him to be 

s 

inactive. Even now, he was impatient to 
move ; but Mr. Bangs had not finished with 
him. 

“There’s an old house back here on the 
stream, where you could probably get a room. 
The woman who lives in it has taken board- 
ers, but she is getting too old for that, and 
now has only one. She’ll be glad to let one 


98 


BILL brock’s investment. 


of her rooms. Ill go over and see her about 
it, and you may as well go with me.” 

They went out, crossed the stream on a 
narrow foot bridge, and soon reached the 
house of which mention had been made. It 
was a low, irregular cottage, unpainted, and 
looking as though it might have stood for a 
century. It had evidently been built, piece by 
piece, to suit the convenience of its owners, 
and the rooms were so disconnected that the 
occupants need not interfere with each other. 

Mrs. Steele, the woman now residing here, 
was somewhat averse to taking a stranger 
under her roof ; yet, to oblige Mr. Bangs, she 
consented to do so, with the express under- 
standing that he should leave at any time she 
wished him to do so. 

“ Certainly I will do that,” said Mr. Melvin, 
who was present while this matter was under 
consideration. I don’t wonder you are sus- 
picious of a stranger ; but I hope you won’t 
have any reason to find fault with me.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


99 


“ But who is to furnish the room ? ” asked 
Mrs. Steele ; and the stranger was forced to 
confess that he had made no provision for 
this. 

‘‘ I shan’t want much,” he said. ‘‘ A chair 
and a straw bed will answer.” 

“ But you must have something to eat. 
How are you going to cook that ? Be you a 
married man ? ” 

‘‘ My wife is dead,” was the laconic reply. 

“ Then, if you’ve had a wife, you ought to 
know something about housekeeping ; but man 
ain’t worth much to look after things, unless 
they have a woman to tell them what to do. 
I’ve noticed that a good many times.” 

‘‘ And I’ve noticed — ,” commenced Mr. 
Bangs, laughing. 

I know just what you’re going to say,” 
interrupted Mrs. Steele. “ You’ve noticed 
that women can’t get along alone ; and I know 
that as well as you do. We ain’t any of us 


100 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


SO independent but what we need help ; men 
nor women either. You’ve helped me a good 
many times, and I’m thankful for it.” 

“ I don’t want any thanks,” was the reply. 
“ At any rate, don’t thank me until I have 
done as many favors for you, as you have 
done for me and my family. I suppose you 
can give this man some supper.” 

“ Yes, I suppose I can ; and I’ll fix up his 
rooih so ’twill be comfortable.” 

Mrs. Steele went out, and was soon fol- 
lowed by Mr. Bangs, thus giving the new 
comer an opportunity to look around and 
think of his own personal needs. He was 
footsore and hungry; most of all he w^as 
nearly maddened with that thirst which can 
never be satisfied. 

His fingers clutched a piece of silver. This 
would purchase wdiat would induce forgetful- 
ness, and he longed to forget. Oh, if he 
could roll back the wheels of time, and 


BILL brock’s investment. 


101 


snatching from the past his household treas- 
ures, bear them on to a bright future ! Oh ! 
could he do this, no labor would seem too 
severe, no task too difficult. 

But never, never ! The past comes not 
back to us. It was a moment of darkness for 
the wretched man ; but a strong will con- 
quered. He raised his head with a determi- 
nation to claim his place in the world, the 
place for which God had intended him. 

‘‘ I shall see you in the morning,” said Mr. 
Bangs, looking in upon him, as he was pass- 
ing the house. 

“ Yes, sir ; and I may come over this after- 
noon. I’d like to know where I’m to begin.” 

‘‘ There’s a good man to work for,” re- 
marked Mrs. Steele, coming in shortly after. 
‘‘ He treats his help well. You’ll like him.” 

‘‘ I expect to, and I hope he will like me,” 
Mr. Melvin replied. 

If he don’t ’twill be your own fault. He’s 


102 


BILL brock’s investment. 


hard pushed just now ; and a good many of 
his hands are off, when they ought to be at 
work. But he says you’ve come a good ways 
to-day, and I’ve got something ready for you 
to eat. I thought it might seem a good while 
to wait till Puffer comes in. He works in the 
hammer shop. Come, this way,” and Mr. 
Melvin followed her into a long, narrow room, 
where a table was neatly spread with substan- 
tial food, cold meat, bread and plain cake. 
Hot tea, too, more grateful to the hungry man 
than food. 

After eating, his hostess showed him the 
room he was to call his own. It was furnished 
very plainly, but it satisfied him, and here he 
was glad to be left alone. Sitting down in an 
old fashioned arm-chair, he took from his 
valise a Bible, one he had bought on his way. 
He opened it and read for a few minutes, then 
laid it down and went to the furnaces. 

“ Guess we must have you in the hammer 


BILL brock’s investment. 


103 


shop for a while,” said Mr. Bangs. “ Our 
hands there are not very steady, and there’s a 
good deal depending just now. I should be 
glad of half a dozen more good men.” 

“ Then let me go right to work,” responded 
Melvin. There’s an hour or two before time 
to shut down.” 

And you are ready to go to work ? ” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“ Then follow me.” 

Mr. Melvin had no need to speak in his 
own praise, as with bared arms he stood by 
the ponderous hammer, and deftly turned the 
mass of heated iron held in a vice-like grip. 
Once there, with his work before him, hope 
entered his heart. There was something to 
be done, and he would do it. 

Other workmen looked at him, even paused, 
to watch his rapid movements, but he gave 
them no heed. When the work shut down, 
two or three addressed him, asking where he 


104 


BILL brock’s investment. 


had been employed, and afterwards indulged 
in various speculations in regard to him. 

‘‘ A hard customer, or his face belies him,” 
said one. ‘‘ He’ll do to go with some others 
we’ve got here.” 

“ You’re right,” replied another. “ Prob- 
ably got turned away from his last place. 
But he understands his business, and he’s 
come in good time.” 

Meanwhile Philip Melvin walked over to the 
low cottage and sat down in the old arm- 
chair, and after some time spent in thought, 
he. read a chapter from his Bible. Mrs. 
Steele rapped at the door of his room, to know 
if he would like to take breakfast with her in 
the morning. Having seen his Bible she was 
disposed to trust him ; and, moreover, there 
was something in his appearance which ap- 
pealed to her womanly sympathy. • 

He had a hard face, she could see that as 
well as any one ; but she saw more than that. 


BILL crock’s investment. 


105 


She knew he was unhappy and troubled. 
“ Something’s wrong, or such a man as he 
would think more about eating,” she said to 
herself. ‘‘ He haint made any provision for 
to-morrow, and he can’t work without he 
eats.” So she ventured to ask him in regard 
to this, and as a result, he engaged board 
with her at a reasonable price. 

Mr. Bangs had good reason to congratulate 
himself upon having secured the services of 
this man. In the whole establishment there 
was no one more constantly at his post. 

When time to receive the first payment 
of wages, he drew only enough to meet Mrs. 
Steele’s bill, preferring to receive the re- 
mainder at the end of another month. Then 
there was quite a large sum his due, every 
dollar of which, after settling with his land- 
lady, was sent to Mr. Wells with the accom- 
panying message : ‘‘ Please pay my debts 

with this, as far as it will go. I will send 
more in four weeks.” 


106 


BILL brock’s investment. 


Up to this time Mr. Wells had not heard 
from him since they parted. No one knew 
his destination, and few had sufficient interest 
to care. His creditors were willing to wait 
rather than attempt a sale of old furniture ; 
and so long as the minister was responsible 
for the safe keeping of this, they run no risk. 

After Philip had gone, there were some who 
remembered having heard strange noises from 
liis house the last night he had spent there. 
But thinking it was only one of his tantroms, 
and there was no one else to be hurt, they 
received little consideration. His wife and 
child were safe beyond his reach, and there 
was no necessity for being troubled. 

Mr. Wells faithfully discharged his trust, 
making an equitable distribution of the money 
he had received. Much surprise was mani- 
fested, and if the truth were told, he was him- 
self surprised, and looked forward with some 
anxiety to what the next month might bring. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


107 


It brought another remittance ; more than 
enough to meet Philip Melvin’s liabilities, and 
the furniture was redeemed. Soon after, Mr. 
Wells, having occasion to go within a few 
miles of the place where he was employed, 
improved the opportunity to call upon him. 

At his work, paler and thinner tlian he was 
wont to be, he did not observe tha approach 
of his friend until his name was called. 

“ 0, Mr. Wells, I am glad to see you,” he 
exclaimed, extending both hands so soon as 
he could disengage them from their usual em- 
ployment. ‘‘ I am glad to see you. I haven’t 
seen a familiar face before since I come here.” 

“ And I am glad to see you,” was the reply. 

I came out of my way a few miles for that 
express purpose ; but my visit must be short.” 

Then please come over to my boarding 
place, where we can talk comfortably. I have 
a great deal I want to ask you. You won’t be 
ashamed to be seen with one like me,” he 
added. 


108 


BILL brock’s INVESTxMENT. 


“ Certainly not,” replied Mr. Wells, with a 
smile. ‘‘ I will follow where you lead. This 
is a pleasant place.” 

Yes, sir, it’s pleasant for a man that’s 
got a home; and it’s a good place for any- 
body to work. I’ve nothing to complain of 
but myself.” 

And not much reason for that, now. 
You must have done well since you came 
here.” 

“ I’ve worked,” was the brief reply. 

‘‘And received your reward. Few men 
could have earned what you have sent me. I 
should have written about your business if I 
had not been coming here. I have some 
money belonging fo you,” said the clergyman, 
after they were seated in Mr. Melvin’s room. 

“ Then please to keep it in pay for your 
trouble,” was the response. “ I want to pay 
my way the rest of my life ; and 0, Mr. 
Wells, can you tell me anything about Phil ? ” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


109 


‘‘ Yes, I heard from him last week. He is 
well, and attending school.” 

“ Where ? ” 

“ In the western part of the state*, in the 
same town with Hugh Parsons.” 

“ Who pays for him ? ” 

' “ The school is free, and he works in part 
payment for his board. The rest is paid by 
the Parsons brothers and Bill Drock.” 

“ Yes, yes, I remember,” said the father. 
’Twas Bill Drock that found Phil. That 
negro ! So he helps take care of my boy ; but 
they won’t any of them do it long. I know 
Phil don’t belong to me, now,” added the 
man, in a tone of abject wretchedness. “ I’m 
going to earn money for him, and won’t Mr. 
Parsons let me pay for taking care of him ? 
0, Mr. Wells, can’t you persuade him to let 
me ? He would if he only knew how hard it 
is for me to live so. It’s dreadful ! ” and 
Philip Melvin, covering his face^ wept such 


no 


BILL brock’s investment. 


bitter tears as men slied when all hope is 
denied them. 

“ I will write to Mr. Parsons,” replied his 
visitor. “ Do you wish Phil to know ? ” 

“ No, sir ; I don’t want him to know any- 
thing about me. 1 don’t blame him for leav- 
ing me. I was a brute ; but I must do some- 
thing for him.” 

“ I presume you can. Mr. Parsons has no 
wish to keep your boy from you. He is a 
friend to you, as well as Phil.” 

“ Yes, sir ; I know I wasn’t fit to have a 
wife and child ; but I haint drinked a drop of 
liquor since I saw you. Not a drop; and I 
haint spent a cent when I could help it. I’ve 
done most any way so Phil could have his 
mother’s things, and I’ve been so lonesome. 
0, Mr. Wells, I’m being punished for my 
wickedness, and I deserve it.” 

‘‘ My friend,” said the clergyman, kindly, 
“ we all deserve to be punished ; but there is 


BILL brock’s investment. 


Ill 


comfort in the thought that the blood of Christ 
cleanseth from all sin. I hope you don’t need 
to be told this.” 

“ I’ve heard it often,” was the reply. ‘‘ But 
you don’t know how wicked I’ve been. There 
don’t any body know. Why, I killed my 
wife ; yes, killed lier ! ” 

Mr. Wells looked at his companion, to as- 
sure himself that his confession was not the 
wild raving of a madman. 

“I know she was sick and died; but my 
wickedness made her sick,” continued Mr. 
Melvin. “ If it hadn’t been for rum, I might 
be a happy man, with wife and children 
round me. Now see what I am ! ” 

Here he seemed to -have exhausted his 
emotions and was silent. It was not strange 
that this man, who had spent ten weeks with- 
out speaking one word of the past life, which 
haunted every sleeping and waking hour, 
should, at sight of a friend, give expression to 
his excited feelings. 


112 


RILL DROCK’S investment. 


After a little while, Mr. Wells spoke hope- 
fully, pointing him to the future, in which so 
much might be done to redeem the past, and 
commending him to the mercy of one, who, 
having been tempted like as we are, knows 
how to pity our infirmities. 

Philip Melvin listened eagerly, yet shook 
his head, as he answered, ‘‘ I’ve been too 
wicked, too wicked ! But Phil shall have 
everything he wants, if Mr. Parsons will let 
me pay for him.” 

“ I can promise for him,” answered the 
clergyman. I know he will be willing that 
you shall do what you please.” 

“ And can I send the money to you ? ” 

‘‘ Yes, for the present,” was the reply. “ It 
can’t be that very much is needed.” 

Here Mrs. Steele announced that tea was 
ready. 

“ But I didn’t expect to take tea with you,” 
said Mr. Wells, surprised at this. ‘‘ I •only 
called to see you for a little while.” 


BILL brock’s INVESTMENT. 


113 


Mrs. Steele had done her best for the 
boarder, who never made any trouble, and 
was always ready to do her a kindness. As 
they entered the house he told her that his 
minister had come ; and she made haste to 
prepare supper. “ I would have done better 
if I’d known beforeliand,” she said by way 
of apology, although no apology was needed. 

Mr. Wells felt amply repaid for tlie trouble 
he had taken, and returned home with a rea- 
sonable assurance that the time would come 
when Pliilip Melvin’s son would not be 
ashamed to acknowledge his father. 

The clergyman’s first duty was to write to 
W^illiam Parsons of what he had seen and 
heard, concluding his epistle with some quali- 
fying considerations. 

‘T must acknowledge that it would be hard- 
ly wise to depend too much upon this. Yet I 
have strong hopes that the man will persevere, 
and I would be glad to assure him that what- 


114 


BILL brock’s investment. 


ever he may see fit to contribute for the 
support of his son will be cheerfully accepted. 
Yet Phil is to know nothing in regard to it. 
This is his father’s wish ; and it seems best to 
regard it.” 

Mr. Parsons replied that he would gladly 
appropriate, to the. benefit of his ward, what- 
ever might be sent him ; adding, 

“ No one would more heartily rejoice to 
have the boy returned to his natural guardian 
than should I, although I am strongly at- 
tached to him, and find, that in seeking to 
benefit him, I am myself benefitted.” 

“ Assure Mr. Melvin, from me, that his 
wish, for secrecy, shall be regarded.” 

Phil only knew that his father had left the 
old house ; and now surrounded with associa- 
tions so different from those which cluster 
about a drunkard, he was, each day, thankful 
for the new life God had given him. He had 
lost air feeling of bitterness, and sometimes 


BILL brock’s investment. 


115 


thought vaguely that, when he was older, he 
would seek to reform his father. 

His mother's memory was still fondly cher- 
ished, and the wild craving he had felt for a 
love like hers was somewhat answered. His 
home was in a family, from which a boy of 
his own age had been taken by deatli, and 
whose loss he in a measure supplied. Three 
little girls, younger than himself, were his 
companions and playmates, all of whom had 
welcomed him, as ‘‘ somebody to fill brother 
Willie’s place.” 

This place was opened to him in an unex- 
pected manner, and being near Hugh’s board- 
ing place, was considered very desirable. 
Here the boy was happy as he endeavored to 
make himself useful. 

To his questions in regard to what.it would 
cost to keep him, Mr. Parsons had at first 
given evasive answers, but before leaving for 
the Seminary his guardian promised to keep 


116 


BILL brock’s investment. 


an exact account, so that lie might sometime 
repay whatever of indebtedness there should 
be. 

“ Will that satisfy you?” he asked, smiling. 

‘‘ Yes, sir,” was the reply. “ I suppose it 
would cost a good deal if I should go to 
college, wouldn’t it ? ” 

“ Yes, it costs considerable money to go 
through college. Do you think you shall wish 
to go ? ” 

“ I want to learn all I can.” 

“ Then study and do the best you can. 
Hugh says you are a good scholar now.” 

“ I try to be. Mother said I must always 
learn my lessons.” 

There was yet another who cared for Phil 
Melvin. Bill Drock, although a poor man, 
saved some of his earnings for this boy found 
in the pine woods. He had insisted npon 
having enough of his summer wages retained 
by Mr. Parsons, to buy a good suit of clothes, 


BILL brock’s investment. 


117 


which Phil was now wearing. He had been 
willing to accept them ; but he told the donor 
that if he lived he should certainly pay for 
tliem. 

“ So you may when you are better able to 
work than I am,” answered Bill, laughing, as 
he contrasted his own well-knit frame with 
that of the child before him. “ I'll put so 
much at interest, and what more I do for 
you Mr. Parsons can keep count. I’ll make 
an investment, and when you’ve got the 
most money you can pay me all up.” 

Yes, sir, I will,” replied the boy, grasp- 
ing his friend’s hard hand. “ And I shall 
always love you too. Perhaps I can do you 
good sometime. You’ve done me so much 
good ; but I don’t know how to thank you.” 

Don’t try, boy,” said his companion, turn- 
ing away to hide the tears of which he need 
not be ashamed. ‘‘ I don’t want any thanks. 
You’ve done me the most good, all the time.” 


118 


BILL brock’s investment. 


This conversation took place the last even- 
ing they spent in the forest, and was one 
which Phil would be sure to remember. He 
often thought of it, not carelessly, as did his 
friend, but with a serious determination to 
fulfil liis part of the contract. 

Bill Drock went home from his summer 
eamping, feeling that he had made a good 
investment of some time, and a little money, 
yet with his heart strangely yearning for the 
sight of a familiar face. He told Phil Mel- 
vin’s story with such graphic earnestness, that 
‘‘ the old woman ” shared his interest, and 
was nearly as anxious to see the boy as was 
her husband. 

Hugh Parsons had promised him a letter, 
which, in good time, made its appearance, just 
such a letter as the young man would have 
been expected to write. It was a somewhat 
lengthy document, abounding in humorous 
descriptions, and giving all desired informa- 
tion. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


119 


“ Remember I have to have an answer to 
this brilliant production. I can’t afford to 
waste ink and paper on one who gives me no 
return.” 

This was the concluding sentence, following 
Phil’s message, and it received due attention. 

Bill Brock, better educated than many of 
his class, could not only read, and, as my 
readers already know, express himself in tol- 
erable language, but he could write. True, 
the writing of a letter was an unusual task ; 
yet, as he said, give him time enough and he 
was good for it. 

The sheet of paper was smoothed so many 
times, that it lost something of its original 
whiteness ; and the pen was dipped so often, 
that blots could not fail to be made ; but this 
did not spoil the letter for him to whom it 
was addressed. 

Phil’s part consisted of a dollar bill, with a 
short explanation attached. “To buy just 


120 


BILL brock’s investment. 


what you want ; ” and the boy put it away 
carefully, to be used when necessary, and re- 
paid, wlien he should have the means of so 
doing. 

Phil had now fairly established himself in 
his new home, and looked forward to winter 
sports with natural eagerness. First scholar 
in his class, he was a favorite with teacher 
and pupils. * 

Never absent, and never idle, he outstripped 
his companions ; yet did it in a way which 
provoked neither jealousy nor envy. 

Mr. Parsons had forestalled all inquiries 
concerning him, by saying that his mother 
had died, and his father was in no condition 
to have the care of him at present. Some, 
there were, who gossipped not^s^ithstanding, 
but only the family with whom he boarded, 
knew the whole truth ; and they were wise 
enough not to disclose it. 

Phil never spoke of his father, and seldom 


BILL brock’s investment. 


121 


of Ills mother except at home. Here, when 
talking with Mrs. Myers, he sometimes in- 
dulged himself in repeating her instructions, 
and affectionate counsels. Then he would 
wonder if she and Willie Myers were together, 
and if they could look down and see what was 
passing in the world. 

Before spring, Mr. and Mrs. Myers had 
become so attached to Phil, that they wished 
to adopt him, and wrote to Mr. Parsons to 
that effect, pledging themselves to do for him 
as they would have done for their own child ; 
giving him the advantage of a liberal educa- 
tion, and in all things consulting his best 
interests. 

William Parsons did not consider himself 
empowered to -act in this matter, certainly 
not, so long as Mr. Melvin made a regular 
monthly remittance of more than enough to 
meet his own expenses. Already a small 
sum had been placed in the savings bank, as 


122 BILL brock’s investment. 

some provision for the future. So waiving all 
discussion of the subject, until they should 
meet, the young guardian assured Mr. Myers 
that there was no probability his wishes could 
be gratified. 

'At the same time Mr. Parsons determined 
to see the father of his ward ; and on a pleas- 
ant spring day called at the counting-room of 
The Furnaces and inquired for Philip Melvin. 

“Yes, he works here,” was the reply of the 
gentlemanly agent. “ Will you see him at 
his work, or shall I send for him ? ” . 

“ I will not trouble you to send for him,” 
said Mr. Parsons. “ I have some business 
with him, although he is a stranger to me.” 

“ Then you will need to be told who he is.” 

“ No sir, I think not. I have seen him 
once.” 

“ Within a few months ? ” asked Mr. Bangs, 
betraying considerable interest. 

“ I saw him last summer,” was the reply. 


BILL brock’s investment 


123 


“ You will hardly recognize him if he was a 
stranger to you then. He has changed very 
much since. He came to me, and I hired 
him, without knowing anything of him. I 
was in great need of help, and he said he 
could work. I took his word for it, and he 
proved his word true. He is the best and 
most reliable workman on the premises. But 
I am detaining you.” 

‘‘ I am in no haste,” answered the visitor, 
debating with himself whether it would be 
wise to ask further questions. 

This silent debate was soon interrupted by 
Mr. Bangs, who said, ‘‘ There is Melvin com- 
ing through the yard. You see he don’t look 
much as he did last summer.”, 

William Parsons was prepared for a great 
change in this man’s personal appearance; 
but the change was greater than could have 
been easily imagined. 

No" longer bloated by the excessive use of 


124 


BILL brock’s investment. 


stimulants, he seemed to have lost half his 
size. The purplish color, a drunkard’s dis- 
tinguishing color, had faded from his face, and 
its expression of brutal will liad given place to 
one of resolute sadness, which said as plainly 
as silent expression could say, that lie was 
walking straight on in utter hopelessness. 

Coming nearer, and closely observed, a well 
dressed boy sprang to meet him, shouting, 
“ I’m ever so glad to see you, Mr. Melvin ! 
Mother said I might go to see you this 
evening. You know I only just got home 
this forenoon.” 

What was said in return could not be 
heard; but the man held high his grimy 
hands, thus preventing the boy from grasping 
them. 

That is my son,” said Mr. Bangs, in ex- 
planation of the scene. “ Melvin saved his 
life last winter, and Fred loves him better 
than any one outside our family. The afifec- 


BILL brock’s investment. 


125 


tion seems to be mutual, too, and I have no 
fears when they are together.” 

‘‘ How did Melvin save your boy’S life ? ” 
asked Mr.* Parsons, his eyes still fixed upon 
him of whom they were speaking. 

“ Sit down, sir, and I will tell you the 
story. It is a strange one, but I vouch for its 
truth. It was last January, in the early 
part of the thaw, which nearly cleared our 
streams ; and before any one thought, there 
was danger on the river. There was some 
water on the ice, but the boys skated, and my 
boy with the rest. I had gone from home 
that day, and was detained longer than I ex- 
pected. When I came back in the evening, 
the first thing I heard was that Fred had been 
in the water, and would have been drowned, 
but for Melvin. 

‘‘ I was too much excited, and too anxious 
then to ask questions ; but I afterwards 
learned the particulars. Fred had broken 


126 


BILL brock’s investment. 


through the ice, and gone under, where tlie 
current set strong towards the dam. One boy 
older th-an the rest, told his companions to 
make for the shore, and then run down 
stream. But some one was there before 
them. Melvin was standing by the open 
water, and when Fred came up just below the 
ice, he plunged in and brought him out 
safely. 

‘‘ There was nobody else within call, and 
the boys could never have saved him. Fred 
would have been drawn to the bottom, and we 
should have lost him. As it was, he was so 
chilled that he was unconscious for a long 
time ; but he got well over it in a day or two. 
That is the way Melvin saved my boy’s life, 
and placed me under lasting obligations,” 
said the father, musingly. 

“ But how did he know he was needed at 
the river ? ” was asked quickly. 

“ That is the strangest part of it,” answered 


BILL brock’s investment. 


127 


Mr. Bangs. I can tell you what Melvin says 
himself. He says that while at work, he 
heard distinctly the voice of his own son, call- 
ing, ^ Father ! Father, save me ! ’ and in- 
stantly dropping the iron he held in his hand, 
he rushed out of the shop and ran for the 
river at full speed. Why he did this he is 
unable to tell ; only that he felt impelled by 
some strong powder. Had he delayed a mo- 
ment, he might have been too late. Do you 
know anything of his history ? ” 

Something,” was the answer to this ab- 
rupt question. 

‘‘ W^ere you acquainted with his wife ? ” 

“ No,” replied William Parsons. ‘‘ She 
died before I knew the family.” 

‘‘ Melvin told me about her death, and he 
talked a good deal of his boy, one evening 
when I was in his room,” said Mr. Bangs. 
‘‘ I asked him if he had seen his boy lately, 
and he shook his head. I didn’t need to ask 


128 


BILL brock’s investment. 


the question, if I had stopped to think ; for 
lie hasn’t been out of town since he came 
here. He don’t go anywhere, unless he can 
do some good. If any of the men are sick, 
he is ready to watch with them. He took 
care of me one night, and I never had better 
care in my life. It’s a pity hard drinking 
should spoil a man who might be the very 
best in the world. Melvin says he has been a 
sottish drunkard, and he looked like it the 
first time I saw him. He is all right now, 
though, with a fair prospect of keeping so.” 

“ I am glad to hear you say so,” responded 
the visitor, heartily. “ I wished to ask you 
some questions, but doubted of the propriety.” 

“ It may not have been proper for me to say 
what I have to a stranger ; yet when Melvin’s 
name is mentioned, I find myself inclined to 
talk of him,” said his employer. 

‘‘ I am glad you have been so inclined to- 
day,” replied William Parsons. ‘‘ And now I 


BILL brock’s investment. 


129 


will be obliged to you if you will tell me 
where I can find him.” 

Mr. Bangs accompanied the stranger, and 
left him standing by Philip Melvin, watching 
the huge hammer, which, with each blow, 
sent the gleaming sparks in every direction 
like fiery messengers. So fascinated was he 
by the regularly repeated strokes, and their 
results, that he was in danger of forgetting 
the purpose for which he had entered the 
shop, until Mr. Melvin gave him a glance of 
recognition. 

Then he advanced a few steps, and said, 
mid the din, ‘‘ I came here to see you ; and if 
agreeable, would like to talk with you for a 
while.” 

“ Yes, sir,” was the answer. We will go 
to my boarding-place ; ” and although there 
was an effort to speak calmly, a slight quiver 
of the voice betrayed emotion. 

Nothing more passed between them, ex- 


130 


BILL brock’s investment. 


cept some common place remarks upon the 
weather and season, until they were seated in 
the house, when Mr. Parsons said, ‘‘ I 'am 
sure you will be glad to hear from your son, 
and know that he is doing well.” 

“ Yes, sir, I am glad ; but I know he’d do 
well any where. He was always a good boy. 
Have I sent money enough to pay all his 
bills ? ” asked the father, eagerly. ^ 

“ Yes, more than enough,” was the answer. 
‘‘ I have put some in the saving’s bank for 
him. Phil’s expenses are not very great. 
The family where he lives say that he earns 
his board, and he has needed but few 
clothes.” 

‘‘ I don’t want Phil to work hard, and he 
ought to dress as well as anybody,” exclaimed 
Mr. Melvin, thinking of Fred Bangs, and 
pained, at the imagined contrast between the 
two boys. “ I forgot,” he added directly, in 
a different tone. ‘‘ I’ve no right to say any- 


BILL brock’s investment.* 


131 


thing about it. But I love Phil. If it wasn’t 
for helping him, I shouldn’t have any heart to 
work, and it’s hard enough now.” 

‘‘ You have a right to say what you wish in 
regard to Phil,” said William Parsons, deeply 
moved. “ I came here to talk with you about 
him, and learn your wishes. He is happy 
where he is, and a general favorite. You 
know >vhy I assumed the care of him, Mr. 
Melvin. He was thrown in my way.” 

“ I know, I know,” responded the unhappy 
man. ‘‘ I’ve lived over that week, his mother 
died, a thousand times, and I’m glad Pliil 
went away. I don’t want him to come back 
to me either, till — till — he wants to.” 

What it cost him to say this ! The muscles 
of his mouth twitched nervously, and- his 
hands were clenched. 

“ Mr. Parsons,” he continued, with an ef- 
fort, “ I hated you, when you stood there 
talking to Squire Todd, last summer. I could 


132 


BILL brock’s investment. 


have killed you all. I want you to forgive me 
for it. Will you ? ” 

“ Will I, Mr. Melvin ? You have not in- 
jured me. I have nothing to forgive.” 

But it was w^rong the way I felt, and I 
know it,” was the reply. 

“ Then the wrong lies between you and 
God. You should ask his forgiveness, not 
mine.” 

“ I don’t dare to ask his forgiveness ; ” and 
such a pallor overspread the man’s face, as 
one would shudder to see. 

“ But God is infinitely merciful,” said Wil- 
liam Parsons. ‘‘ He forgives the chief of 
sinners. Christ died to save you, and he 
knows all your temptations.” 

Yes, yes ; but he hates sin.” 

“ Yet loves the sinner. Your Bible tells 
you that. I see that you have a Bible.” 

“ Yes, I bought it when I was on my way 
here. I knew my wife used to get a good 


BILL brock's investment. 


133 


deal of comfort out of it, and I thought 
perhaps I might. Sometimes I seem to, but 
then I know the promises ain’t for me. Mary 
was good enough to have them all true for 
her.” 

Do you doubt God’s word ? ” remarked 
the visitor solemnly. 

“ No, sir, not that. But I’m past all hope. 
I don’t know wliat God keeps me alive for. 
I’ve wished a good many times I could die.” 

“ But, Mr. Melvin, after death comes the 
judgment. Are you ready to meet it ? ” 

Not a word in answer ; one thought of that 
dread day, when the secrets of all hearts shall 
be revealed, smote him dumb ; and his ftlend 
hastened to speak again of this pardoning 
mercy which is extended to all. 

Still, not a ray of hope lighted up his face, 
as he said, “ I don’t expect anything myself, 
but I want Phil to go to heaven with his 
mother. If they are happy I can bear my 
lot.” 


134 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ And your lot, I trust, will be to spend a 
blissful eternity with them,” responded Mr. 
Parsons. “You may do so, if you wilP it. 
Have faith and trust in God. He can over- 
rule all things for your good. You seem to 
be well situated here,” w^as added, with the 
hope of making the conversation more cheer- 
ful. 

“ Yes, this is a good place to work ; and 
I’ve tried to do my best. Mr. Bangs don’t 
complain of me.” 

“ I have reason to believe that,” was the 
reply. ‘‘ He told me that you had saved his 
son’s life.” 

“ Yes, sir, I did ; but ’twas no good in me ; 
though I’m glad I saved him. I thought I 
went after Phil. I heard him call me. I was 
thinking about him, and I heard his voice 
above all the hammers. I think I hear him 
a good many times ; but I was sure of it then. 
Oh, if I could only see my boy, I’d be satisfied 
to work on.” 


BILL DBOCK’S investment. 


135 


“ You can see him, if you wish to. You 
shall see him, Mr. Melvin. If Phil knew you 
sent money to him, he would — ” 

“ No, no,’’ interrupted the father. “ I 
don’t want him to know it, and I don’t want 
him to see me ; only l long to see his face 
once more. You do ^better by him than I 
could. I can earn money for him, and that’s 
enough for me.” 

Then William Parsons told the object for 
which lie had come, to submit Mr. Myers’ 
proposal. ‘‘ He wishes to adopt Phil as his 
son.” 

‘‘ And have Phil call him father ! ” ex- 
claimed Mr. Melvin. 

‘‘ Yes,” was the answer. “ That is what he 
wishes.” 

‘‘ Oh, that would kill me ! ” cried the father. 

I’d give up trying for anything. But per- 
liaps it’s best for the boy,” he added, with a 
sigh. “ Is it ? ” 


136 BILL brock's investment. 

“ Under the circumstances, I think not,” 
said Mr. Parsons, decidedly. “ But Phil 
could not have a better home.” 

‘‘ Then let him stay, and don’t tell him 
you’ve seen me.” 

‘‘ It shall be as you wish. I have not seen 
Phil since I left him, in the autumn ; but I 
shall be at Mr. Myers’, next week, and will 
tell him your decision.” 

Mr. Melvin had just received a month’s 
wages, a large part of which he placed in the 
hands of his visitor, for Phil’s benefit, thus 
adding considerably to the amount already 
held ill trust. The father asked the same 
question his son had before asked. ‘‘ Does it 
cost a great deal to go through college ? ” and 
being told the amount, replied quickly, “ Then 
Phil shall go, if he wants to. I can earn 
that. He’s a good scholar.” 

“ Yes, quite a remarkable scholar, as I am 


told. He loves his books.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


187 

“ Then let him study. He shall have all 
the money he needs. Fred Bangs says he’s 
going to college, and he ain't any smarter 
than my boy.” 

After some further conversation, the two 
men parted with a hearty shake of the hand, 
and mutual good wishes ; one going forth to 
labor for the salvation of souls, the other to 
watch the shapeless iron, transformed by fire 
and resistless force, into a polished instrument 
of labor. 

Did ever Philip Melvin think that his own 
heart was being subjected to the same trans- 
forming process ; that through the discipline 
of fire and agony, it should yet come forth, 
meet for the Maker’s service? 


CHAPTER ly. 


To save the erring, sustain the weak, 

Some words of warning, in love, to speak; 

This is obeying our Lord’s command, 

Which bids us labor with heart and hand; 

He who obeys, the crown has w’on, 

Has gained the plaudit, “ Child, well done.” 


Melvin was on his way home 
school, and, as he passed Mr. 
I’s, he looked up to the window 
hich, in the autumn, Hugh Par- 
sons had been accustomed to sit. There, sure 
enough, was the familiar face of his friend, a 
week sooner than he had expected to see it, 
and for this, all the more welcome. A light 
tap on the window, and Phil sprang into the 
house. 



138 


BILL brock’s investment. 


139 


“ Why, Phil, how you have grown ! ” ex- 
claimed Hugh, releasing himself from the 
embrace of the boy, whom he held for a mo- 
ment at arm’s length. “You don’t look like 
my boy of the olden time.” 

“ Don’t I, Mister Hugh ? ” was the response 
“ I want to.” 

“ You do ? It’s of no use. Let’s take an 
inventory of your possessions, just as you 
stand, beginning with your head. That, cer- 
tainly is of generous dimensions, and covered 
with a profusion of wavy brown hair, only 
wanting a little of being curled. Hazel eyes. 
No. But I am sure they were hazel once. 
Someway, they have grown dark, since I saw 
you, before. Well, no matter, let that go, 
and come to the mouth, small and close, thin 
lips, and white teeth. Why,' Phil!” he 
added, drawing the boy closely to him, “I 
didn’t mean to hurt you. I was only thinking 
aloud, and you know I love you, my little 


140 


BILL brock’s investment. 


brother. You will learn to understand me by 
and by. Now, tell me how I look.” 

“ Better,” answered Phil, swallowing the 
sobs which had found their way into his throat. 

“But you haven’t half looked at me,” re- 
sponded Hugh Parsons, smiling. “ You don’t 
know whether my hair curls or not ; and you 
can’t tell but my eyes have grown darker, dur- 
ing the winter.” 

“ I can tell now,” replied the boy, looking 
him full in the face. “ The hollows in your 
cheeks are filled up, but your hair and eyes 
are just the same they used to be.” 

“ Yes, I guess they are, Phil.” 

“ Have you come back to stay ? ” 

“ I am going to work in the fall, and this 
summer I shall spend somewhere, perhaps in 
the woods. How should you like to go there 
with me ? ” 

“ I should like it, if I could earn money 
there, and I should like to see that good black 
man.” 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


141 


“ I’ve no doubt he would like to see you,” 
Hugh replied. “ But I can’t tell what we 
shall do, until brother William comes. You 
will have a long vacation, to be filled up some 
way.” 

Yes, sir, and Mr. Myers says I can help 
him in the store then.” 

“But I thought you didn’t like the store 
very well.” 

“ No, sir, I don’t. But Mr. Myers gave me 
some clothes, and 1 want to pay for them.’^ 

“ Time enough to think about that, when 
you are older.” 

“ But I want to "go to college then, and Mr. 
Parsons says it takes a good deal of money 
said Phil. 

“ He does ? Well 1 guess he is right about 
that. But what do you say to taking my 
money ? I have some I intended to spend in 
college.” 

“ Perhaps I’ll borrow some,” said the boy, 
seriously. 


142 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ Well, I shall be ready to loan it, was the 
reply. Now tell me about your studies. I 
want to know what you have been doing while 
I was away ; ” and then Phil told, with spark- 
ling eyes, of “so far in school,” and “ so far 
out of school.” 

“ What time do you have for play ? ” asked 
his companion. 

“ Oh, plenty in the morning and at night. 
It don’t take a great while to learn lessons.” 

“ Don’t take a great while ! ” repeated the 
young man, with a laugh. “ Eleven years old, 
aren’t you ? ” 

“ Yes, sir ? ” 

“ Some people think that is the right age to 
commence the study of Latin. How should 
you like that ? ” 

Phil had heard some older boys speak of 
studying Latin, and he was prepared to 
answer at once, “ I should like it very much.” 

“ Are you sure ? Do you think you could 


BILL brock’s investment. 


143 


master the grammar, learn the declentions, 
and rattle off the congregations ? ” 

“ I could learn what is printed,” replied 
Phil Melvin, resolutely. 

“ Yes, I guess you could.” 

During this conversation, a delicate hand 
had been threading the boy’s hair ; and a 
pair of sad eyes had looked into the darker 
ones of the child. 

“ Will you let me study Latin, Master 
Hugh ? ” 

“ I will think about it. If I do, I shall hear 
your lessons myself, and shall expect them to 
be perfect.” 

“ Yes, sir, I can have them perfect. And 
may I come to see you again to-morrow ? ” 

“ Yes, Phil, come every day. Now kiss 
me, and run home to the little sisters.” 

Why was it that Hugh Parsons closed his 
eyes, wearily, when he was left alone ? 

He was thinking of the time when with boy- 


144 


BILL brock’s investment. 


ish enthusiasm he had looked forward to a 
course in college, as the portal through which ^ 
he should pass to honor and happiness ; when 
study seemed to him the one object of life. 
He tried now to believe that earth held for 
him some other good. If he might not him- 
self climb the mountain, he could point others 
the way ; and well he knew that a wise and 
loving father had meted out his destiny. 

“ Mr. Hugh has come ! ” exclaimed Phil, as 
he entered the kitchen where Mrs. Myers was 
preparing supper. 

“ Yes, I suppose he had,” was the reply. 

“ The stage came by here this afternoon. He 
came a few days sooner than you expected.” 

“Yes’m,” the boy replied, and caught up 
the baby, now two years old, w^hich demanded 
attention. 

“ She thinks you are her brother,” said 
Mary, the oldest of the sisters. “ She told 
Fanny Dean, you was her brudder.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


145 


‘‘You be my brother,” said Susie, giving 
Phil an extra hug. “ Fanny’s dot a brudder, 
and I hab too.” 

“ I wish you was our brother,” added Mary. 
“ But you won’t ever go away and leave us, will 
you, Phil ? I heard mother tell father that she 
wanted you to stay just as Willie would, if 
God hadn’t taken him. Didn’t you say so ; 
mother ? ” she asked, seeking confirmation of 
her words. 

“ Yes, child, I did ; and your father agreed 
with me. Now if we can persuade Phil to the 
same mind, we shall be very happy.” 

“lam sure I should like to stay,” answered 
the boy. “ You are all very good to me ; but 
I must do as Mr. Parsons says.” 

“ And he is coming next week,” remarked 
Mrs. Myers. 

“ Yes’m ; and I forgot to tell you that Mr. 
Hugh talked about my studying Latin. I 
guess he’ll let me, and I shall be so glad. I 


146 


BILL brock’s investment. 


can get up an hour earlier every morning, to 
learn my lesson.” 

“No need of that, Phil. You can have 
time for study, and you get up early enough 
now.” 

Once before something had been said in 
regard to Phil’s staying with this family, and 
taking Willie’s place ; but he had never given 
it a serious thought. lie expected to remain 
as long as Mr. Parsons thought best, and be- 
yond that he had no definite expectation as to 
a home. He endeavored to put away all 
thought of his father. Even now, he seemed 
to feel the pain of the blows he had received, 
and sometimes started from his sleep with a 
vague sense of fear. 

He rejoiced in each day added to his age, 
bringing him nearer to the time when he 
should cease to be dependent. Every book 
which told of boys who had risen from ob- 
scurity, by their own unaided efforts, was 


BILL brock’s investment. 


147 


read with avidity. What others had done 
he could do. One would have known that to 
look at him, as he stood gazing out into, the 
darkness the evening after Hugh Parsons had 
spoken to him of studying Latin. He would 
make his way steadily, overcoming one by one 
the obstacles in his path. 

The next day he felt that he had taken a 
long stride, when a Latin grammar was placed 
in his hand, with permission to learn as much 
as he pleased for his first lesson. 

“ But mind you, Phil, I can’t have you a 
book worm,” said his friend. “ Just remem- 
ber that brains are worth little without bodies 
to match.” 

“ Yes, sir ; but I never was .sick in my life. 
Mother used to say I should be as strong a 
man as father.” 

“ I hope you may be,” replied Hugh Par- 
sons, mentally adding, and like him in no 
other respect.” 


148 


BILL brock’s investment. 


What was printed Phil not only could but 
did learn, and rarely is. a Latin grammar such 
a source of pleasure as it, was to him. But 
for repeated cautions, he would have studied 
unreasonably ; and at length his lessons were 
assigned, with the express command not to 
study beyond them. 

When William Parsons came, he with more 
wisdom than his brother, allotted the boy’s 
duties. “ Too much study,” he said, shaking 
his head gravely. “ Phil is too young for 
such application. Short lessons in Latin, or 
none at all ; ” and this settled the question. 

Mr. and Mrs. Myers, who had flattered 
themselves that they could persuade William 
Parsons to relinquish all claim to his ward, 
were greatly disappointed when told that he 
considered himself only an agent for carrying 
out the father’s plans. 

“ But I thought Mr. Melvin was not a fit 
man to have care of his child,” said Mr. 
Myers. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


149 


“ He has not been,” was the reply. “ He 
does not consider himself so ; but he has 
changed since Phil left home ; and although 
one can never tell what to expect from a 
drunkard, I am inclined to put confidence in 
him. Thus far he has more than paid Phil’s 
expenses. I consider myself accountable to 
Mr. Melvin, and whenever he sees fit to claim 
the guardianship of his son, I shall resign my 
charge at once. At present, I shall leave 
Phil with you, and consider myself under 
great obligation for your kindness to him. 
It seems to me a strange providence which 
threw him in my way. It was a great self- 
denial to me, to spend my last summer’s va- 
cation in the pine forest, and nothing but re- 
gard for Hugh’s health would have induced 
me to do it.” 

You didn’t know why you went, after all,” 
responded Mr. Myers. “ If Phil hadn’t fallen 
into your hands, nobody knows what would 


150 


BILL brock’s investment. 


have become of him. I am thankful that he 
did. He has been a great comfort to us in 
our affliction, and if we cannot adopt him, we 
can, at least, love him.” 

A few days after this, when Phil was 
talking with his guardian, in a quiet, confi- 
dential way, he asked, abruptly, “ Do you 
know where my father is ? ” 

“ Yes,” replied William Parsons, at the 
same time giving the name of the town where 
IMr. Melvin was employed 

“ Have you seen him since he went there ? ” 
was the next question 

The young man hesitated; but at length 
answered, “ Yes, I have seen him.” 

“ And did he say anything about me ? ” 

“ He enquired very particularly for you ; 
and I think he is a better man than he used 
to be.” 

‘‘ Is he ? ” asked Phil, eagerly. He can’t 
take me back, can he ? ” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


151 


“ Not unless you wish to go.” 

‘‘ I don’t wish to go,” was the decided re- 
sponse. “ I pray for him every day, just as 
mother told me ; but I don’t want to live 
with him. Perhaps wdien he’s old I’ll take 
dare of him. I will if he wants me to.” 

“ You may wish to see him before that,” 
said Mr. Parsons. 

“ Do you think I ought to ? ” enquired the 
boy, looking earnestly into the face of his 
friend. 

‘‘Not at present. WJien you are older you 
may feel differently. You may wish to see 
him.” 

If Phil had only known how his father’s 
heart yearned towards him, he would not 
thus have spoken. But Mr. Melvin had in 
part appointed his own punishment, and 
was expiating his guilt with grim resolve. 

He sometimes thought that his life need not 
be utterly useless, if he could be the means of 


152 


BILL brock’s investment. 


saving others from the curse of drunkenness. 
For this he would gladly have labored, had not 
distrust of his own abilities prevented. 

Among the workmen were several who had 
nearly wrecked their lives, and beggared their 
families, through love for strong drink. 
Commanding good wages, those dependent 
upon them were meanly clad, and sometimes 
poorly fed. What are wife and children 
weighed in the balance against appetite 1 

Now that Mr. Melvin looked around him, 
with eyes from which the scales had fallen, he 
was shocked at the misery and wretchedness 
he saw ; shocked, too, as he looked back upon 
his own past life, so brutal and debased. 

Once he had been invited to “a jolly 
time,” meaning neither more nor less than a 
drunken carouse ; only once, for he had refused 
in a way which offered small encouragement 
to importunity, and no one cared to provoke 
him. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


153 


His looks and habits were at variance ; yet 
he made no explanation, and was strikingly 
reticent in regard to everything connected 
with himself. 

Mrs. Steele said he was a good man ; and 
she had the best opportunities for judging. 
Everybody was ready to praise him, after the 
rescue of Fred Bangs, and as a nurse, he was 
exceedingly popular. Seldom betraying any 
emotions, wearing the same impenetrable 
mask, he was at times the object of much curi- 
osity. Even the man boarding in the same 
house, knew little of him, but an opportunity 
for the display of his character was soon to. 
present itself. 

Mrs. Steele was persuaded to receive another 
boarder, a young man, who had entered Mr. 
Bangs’ employ as an apprentice ; a rollicking, 
good-natured fellow, not afraid of work, or 
averse to ‘‘ a spree.” 

“ Nothing bad about him. Only likes a 


154 


BILL brock’s investment. 


good time, occasionally,” said his guardian, 
who arranged the conditions of his apprentice- 
ship. His mother worries a good deal 
about him : but I tell her there is no need of 
it. He’ll do well enough when he gets older ; 
marry, and steady down into a good sober 
man.” 

“ I hope so,” Mr. Bangs replied. “ But some 
way not many of these wild fellows do steady 
down, as you call it. Instead of doing better, 
they grow worse, after they are married. I 
have seen several such men at work for me.” 

Mr. Bangs was an honorable business man, 
just and generous to his workmen ; yet he 
was not one to give himself unnecessary 
trouble in regard to their habits or morals. 
But for young Merril, the apprentice, he felt a 
peculiar interest, and it was to oblige him 
that Mrs. Steele had consented to increase her 
family. 

Mr. Melvin understood tlie young man at 


BILL DEOCK’s investment. 


155 


once, and saw how easily he could be led to 
ruin. There were a plenty, too, who would 
do this, and take a wicked pride in dragging 
him down to their level. 

Mrs. Merrill visited her son a few weeks af- 
ter he came to the Furnaces, and her solicitude 
for his welfare could be plainly seen. 

“ He is my only son, and I am vejy anxious 
for him,” she said to Mrs. Steele. He has 
needed a father. I think sometimes I haven’t 
done right with him ; but I was afraid of being 
too strict, and so driving him from home. I 
don’t know as this is the right place for him ; 
though he wanted to come.” 

George Merrill should have been good, if 
only for the sake of the mother who loved him ; 
but, alas, for many mothers in our land, whose 
love is outraged by reckless sons. 

The new apprentice was quick to learn, 
worked well, had lost no time. Mrs. Steele 
liked him, was always glad to see him coming 


156 


BILL brock’s investment. 


towards the house, and in her way, petted him, 
as she would had he belonged to her. He 
furnished cheerfulness for the whole family ; 
always coming into the house with a pleasant 
word or joyous laugh. He spoke of his mother 
and sisters, affectionately, sometimes indulg- 
ing in humorous outlines of his plans for the 
future. 

“ I am sure you love your mother,” said 
Mrs. Steele to him, when he had been talking 
of his home. 

“ Of course I do,” was the quick reply. 
‘‘ Who ever heard of a boy who didn’t love 
liis mother ? ” 

‘‘ I think *1 have heard of more than one.” 

“ You have ! ” responded the young man, 
with astonishment. ‘‘ A boy who doesn’t love 
his mother, ought not to live. The sun should 
never shine upon such a monster.” 

His companion looked at him, a little sadly. 
She was an old woman and had known much 


BILL brock’s investment. 157 

of sorrow. She, too, had been a mother ; but 
in her crown of motherliood, there were woven 
thorns, which had pierced her cruelly. 

‘‘Did I say anything wrong? ” asked 
George Merrill. “ You look as though I 
did.” 

“ No, I didn’t know as you said anything 
wrong. I was only thinking how a boy 
would treat a mother that he loved.” 

“ Treat her well of course. Why, I wouldn’t 
treat my mother hard for all the world. She 
has been too good to me for that.” 

“ Then I suppose you never do anything to 
trouble her.” 

* This was a view of the subject which had 
not presented itself to the young man’s mind, 
while speaking so decidedly. He hesitated 
before replying, and then said, “ I don’t sup- 
pose I always do just as mother wants to have 
me. I’ll tell the truth. 1 know I don’t.” 


“ And why not ? ” 


158 


BILL brock’s investment. 


‘‘ Because — well, — I don’t know exactly. 
Boys are boys, you know : and they don’t al- 
ways think just as their mothers do.” ^ 

“I know they don’t,” replied Mrs. Steele, 
with a sigh. But the mothers are generally 
in the right. Bemember that, George, and 
don’t do anything to make your mother 
sorry.” 

“ I’ll remember,” was the answer. “ Your 
advice is good, and you sliall see how I follow 
it.” 

Only a few days after this, George Merrill 
was invited to join a party of young men, who 
were going to a neighboring pond, fishing ; and 
as he was particularly fond of the sport, he^ 
decided to accompany them. “ I’ll bring you 
home a nice string of fish,” he said to Mrs. 
Steele. 

‘‘ And a sober boy,” she added, with a 
smile. “ If I was your mother, I should rath- 
er have you at work than fishing.” 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


159 


“ But I can’t work all the time,” responded 
the “ boy.” “ Mother never objects to my 
fishing.” 

Mr. Mehin was tempted to remonstrate, and 
wished he felt at liberty to do so ; but he had 
not yet won the young man’s confidence, suf- 
ficiently to warrant such interference. He 
could only wait the result, hoping his fears 
might not be realized. 

Ten, eleven, twelve o’clock ; and yet George 
Merrill had not returned. It was a clear 
moonlight night ; such a night as is calculated 
to awaken the deepest emotions in the heart of 
every lonely watcher. Philip Melvin watched 
and waited, until a restless anxiety drove him 
from the house. He stood for a little while 
by the stream, then crossed it, and went out 
into the high road, where, without previous 
thought of so doing, he walked for a quarter 
of a mile. Here was a sharp turn in the road, 
and he was about to retrace his steps, when he 


160 


BILL brock’s investment. 


heard suppressed voices beyond. lie listened 
a moment, and then advanced to meet the fish- 
ing party so near home. 

He recognized them at once. There were 
six, two lying upon the ground, and four others 
gathered around a fallen horse. 

“ What’s to be done ? ” exclaimed one, with 
an oath. “ Here ’tis past midnight, and not 
one of us can stand straiglit on our legs.” 

“ Who cares for that ? ” said another, hic- 
coughing loudly, and seeming to forget that 
there was danger of being overheard. 

“ Who cares for that, if the horse would get 
up? I want to go home.” 

Tlien came another pull at the horse, which 
resulted in nothing more than the fall of 
another animal. 

By George, I ain’t going to stay here, all 
night. There’s more than one way to get a 
horse clear ; ” and the speaker fumbled in his 
pocket for a knife. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


161 


‘‘ What you going to do, Bill ? ” 

“ Cut that harness,” was the answer. 

‘‘No you don’t. Can’t afford it. ’Twon’t 
pay.’’ 

“ Mighty fraid of your money, ain’t you ? 
Then get the critter up.” 

By this time, Mr. Melvin having heard 
enough, came forward, disengaged the horse, 
and helped him to his feet. “ Now young 
men, you had better get in, and drive home,” 
he said. 

“ Guess we had,” was the reply. “ Never 
see a horse act like that before.” 

“ Perhaps the trouble is with you,” sugges- 
ted the new comer. 

“ Can’t say but ’tis. Any way, my head 
feels queer.” 

With some difficulty, threo of these young 
men. managed to seat themselves in the buggy, 
after the horse was safely harnessed; when 
Mr. Melvin turned his attentions to those be- 


162 


BILL brock’s investment. 


hind. Another horse had acted strangely, 
having stood still during the whole affair. 
One of the young men, who had found a rest- 
ing place upon the ground, was roused by his 
companion, and after shaking himself, seemed 
tolerably sober. The other was not so easily 
wakened. 

“ Merrill’s dead as a log. What’s going to 
be done with him ? ” 

This, like all other exclamations of the par- 
ty, was rendered more emphatic by the addi- 
tion of oaths, which wopld shock any right- 
minded person, and which I have no wish to 
.transcribe. 

“ Leave Merrill to me,” said Mr. Melvin. 

‘‘ I will see to him. Drive on, and mind 
you don’t upset yourselves.” 

They were glad to do this, for two reasons. 
They really wished to reach home ; an dr had 
no fancy for being longer subjected to the 
scrutiny of this stern, silent man. It was an 


BILL brock’s investment. 


163 


unfortunate conclusion to the high old time- 
they had enjoyed so much ; a mortifying cir- 
cumstance. 

But George Merrill was unconscious of all 
this. There he lay, in a drunken sleep. It 
might have been wise had Mr. Melvin allowed 
him to he carried home; yet this had not 
seemed desirable. The young man needed a 
severe lesson, and his companion was the one 
to enforce-it. He must be made aware of the 
danger which threatened him. It was well 
that his mother did not see him ; well that his 
sisters did not know his disgrace. 

Philip Melvin bared his head, as he stood 
there, in the moonlight, and reverently asked 
God that he might be allowed to save this son 
and brother. Grant me this,” was the wild 
cry of his heart ; and although it was no 
Christian’s prayer, it was neither mockery nor 
abomination in the sight of Him, to whom it 
was addressed. If it had been his own son 


164 


BILL brock’s investment. 


who lay before him, 41ie father would have ac- 
cepted it, as a just punishment ; now it was a 
bitter grief. 

He knelt beside the young man, brushed 
back his hair from his forehead, and then 
raised him to a sitting posture, calling his 
name repeatedly. 

“ lYhere am I ? ” was at length asked in a 
sleepy tone. 

“ Out of doors,” was the reply. “ It is one 
o’clock at night, and you are drunk.” 

‘‘ Wliat did you say ? ” enquired George 
Merrill, rubbing his eyes, and making a weak 
effort to move. 

‘‘ I said you were drunk ; ” and this time 
the words were fairly hissed in his ear. 

“ You don’t say. Never was drunk in my 
life. But seems to me this is a mighty hard 
bed. Where am 1 ? ” he again asked 

The rippling of water suggested a new mode 
of treatment, and making use of his hat, Mr. 


BILL brock’s INVESTiklENT. 


165 


Melvin brought enough of the cool liquid to 
bathe the face of his friend, without any objec- 
tions being made to the manner of its convey- 
ance. It produced the desired effect ; and 
George Merrill struggled to his feet. 

‘‘ Why, Mr. Melvin, is it you ? ” he ex- 
claimed, at the same time resting heavily upon 
the strong arm, offered for his support. 

“ It is me,” was the reply. Are you glad 
to see me ? ” 

“ Yes, I’m always glad to see you,” an- 
swered the young man, with some hesitation. 
“ But I don’t quite understand this business. 
I thought I went fishing.” 

‘‘ I guess you did, and you are so far on 
your way home. Can you walk ? ” 

“ Yes, why not ? I’m a good walker.” 

“ When you are sober,” added Mr. Melvin. 

“ Yes, when I’m sober. Some way my head 
feels queer. Don’t know but I’d better sit 
down and rest a while. I’m wet, too, and my 


166 


BILL brock’s investment. 


boots feel heavy. Wonder if . I got into the 
water, I don’t remember anything about it.” 

‘‘No matter,” said his companion. “It’s 
quite a walk home, and time you were there. 
So, hold on to me, and we’ll go along.” 

“Yes, here goes. I can walk just as fast 
and just as well, as anybody. But I’ve got 
the hiccoughs. I don’t see what that means. 
I thought I was riding, too. Where are the 
rest of the boys ? ” 

“ Gone home,” was the laconic reply. 

But little progress was made while this con- 
versation was being carried on, although it oc- 
cupied several minutes. George Merrill’s 
words followed each other in slow succession ; 
his tongue tripping as bad as his feet. The 
clock struck two, just as he reached his 
boarding place, and was assisted up the stairs. 

Three hours later, he was sleeping soundly, 
although it was time that he should be wide 
awake. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


167 


“ Wake up, George ! ” shouted a fellow 
boarder, passing tlie door of his room. “ You 
were out late last night. Better hurry up, or 
we shall think you were off on a spree.” 

This roused the sleeper, who sprang up 
without delay. Instantly he pressed both 
hands to his head, in the vain effort to still its 
throbbings. His stomach was in a state of 
rebellion, his limbs were stiff, and altogether 
he felt very unlike Mr. Bangs’ new apprentice, 
who was always ready for work when morning 
demanded. He was paying dear for last 
night’s pleasure, which, after all, had not been 
so great at its best. He had but a confused 
idea of what had happened, until he plunged 
his face and head into a basin of cold water, 
thus clearing away the cobwebs which ob- 
scured his mental vision. 

Then he remembered, blushing as he re- 
membered. But there was no help for it. 
He' must go to his work. For breakfast he 


168 


BILL brock’s investment. 


had uo appetite ; and although he managed to 
swallow two cups of coffee, it was with great 
effort. Mrs. Steele asked no questions, Mr. 
Melvin was more- silent than usual, while the 
other members of the quartette attempted sorry 
jokes. 

That morning young Merrill saw some of 
his last night’s companions, looking much as 
he felt. 

“ I suppose Melvin got you home all right,” 
said one. 

“ Yes, but he never’ll do it again.” 

‘‘ I hope not. . The fact is, we got rather 
more aboard than we could carry : and we’ve 
got to pay for it, too.” 

“ What do you mean ? ” 

“ Mean what I say. But you’ve nothing to 
do about it. You were with the other team ; 
but our horse got a confounded gash in one 
knee, and it must be paid for. Well it can’t 
be helped, and there’s no use crying for spilt 
milk.” 


BILL brock’s INVESTMEKT. 


169 


“ If there hadn’t been anything but milk to 
spill, we shouldn’t got into such a scrape,” re- 
plied George Merrill, his face betraying the an- 
noyance he felt. 

• ‘‘ Guess you are right there. The fact is, 
we were a little top heavy, by the time we 
started for home.” 

Work was a burden that day, and thought a 
torture. The hours dragged lieavily, and 
night found the young a,pprentice moody and 
taciturn. 

“ Come up to the corner to-night,” said one 
of the workmen, as he left the furnace. 

‘‘ No, sir ! ” was the decided reply. “ I’ve 
something else to do.” 

“ Then you are busy,” said Mr. Melvin, who 
was standing near. I was going to ask you to 
spend the evening with me.” 

“ There is nothing to prevent my coming if 
you ask me,” responded George Merrill. ‘‘ I 
only meant that I had something else to do, 
besides going, to the corner.” 


170 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ Then come to my room after supper.” 

Supper was mere ceremony to the young 
man, who was more tired than he remembered 
of being before. Yet it would have been im- 
possible for him to sleep, had he laid his head 
upon a pillow. He shrank from meeting Mr. 
.Melvin alone ; but he supposed the interview 
must come, sooner or later, and it would be a 
relief, when it was over. 

Philip Melvin was reading in the Bible, 
when his young friend entered. Sit down,” 
he said. “ I was thinking of you, and wonder- 
ing if you would come.” 

“ Of course I would come ; ” was the reply, 
as a sickly smile overspread the face of the 
speaker. “ I only sat down in my room a lew 
minutes, before coming for the lecture.” 

“ Then you expect a lecture.” 

‘‘ To be sure ; ” and the young man was re- 
lieved, that thus the dreaded subject had been 
broached. “ I deserve a lecture, and some- 
thing more than that.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


171 


“ Then, you won’t receive what you deserve, 
here. I’m not going to give you a lecture: 
but I should like to tell you a story if you are 
willing to hear it.” 

“ A story ! ” repeated George Merrill, breath- 
ing more freely. I shall always like to hear 
stories, if they are interesting.” 

When you have heard this, you can judge 
about the interest. At any rate it is true, 
and — do you want to hear it ? ” 

“ Yes, Mr. Melvin.” 

“ Well, I’m glad you do ; for I want to tell 
you I ain’t much of a story teller, but I’ll do 
my best. Twenty-four years ago there was a 
boy sixteen years old, bound apprentice to a 
blacksmith, in a town more than a hundred 
miles from here. The blacksmith thought 
himself lucky. The boy was strong, and wil- 
ling to work ; and besides, he was an orphan ; 
so there was nobody to interfere, let come 
what would. 


172 


BILL brock’s investment. 


What was the boy’s name ? ” asked George 
Merrill, his interest fairly roused. 

‘‘Wait for that,” was the answer. “It 
don’t make any difference about his name. 
The story will be just the same. The boy was 
careful to do his work well ; but when it was 
done he calculated to have a good time, and 
as the blacksmith didn’t care, there was plenty 
to help him. You know what young men call 
a good time. They smoke and drink and 
swear, and think they are smart. At least, 
that’s what they did when I was young ; and 
I see a good deal of it now-adays.” 

This was a severe hit ; but Mr Melvin did 
not look at his companion to see the effect. 

“ I won’t make my story longer than necessa 
ry. Look round among young men, and you’ll 
see a good many very much like the black- 
smith’s apprentice, making fools of themselves, 
and trouble for others. Before he was twenty- 
one, he could smoke as long, chew as much 


BILL brock’s investment. 


173 


tobacco, and drink as much liquor, as any 
man in the village ; and was proud of it, too. 
Perhaps if he’d had a mother, he would have 
done different. But he was alone. Nobody 
seemed to care anything about him except the 
blacksmith, and all he cared, was to get as 
much work done as he could.” 

‘‘ Hadn’t he any brothers and sisters ? ” 
asked the young man, who listened to this 
story. 

“ He had one sister. But she was given 
away, when their mother died, and they didn’t 
know anything about each other. I don’t 
think this boy ever stopped to look ahead : if 
he had it seems as though he’d made some 
provision for living. But plenty of men do as 
he did, sowing wild oats, they call it; and 
sometime they must reap the harvest.” 

George Merrill was too much moved to speak, 
although his companion evidently expected 
that he would, and waited to give him oppor- 
tunity. 


174 


BILL brock’s • INVESTMENT. 


‘‘ After a while the young man got tired of 
a blacksmith’s shop, and thought he’d go to 
work in a furnace, where he could get better, 
pay, and have more time to himself. In the 
place where he went, an old minister talked 
to him and tried to make him see how foolish 
and wicked it was for him to do as he had. It 
seemed as though this had some effect. Any 
way, the young man gave up drinking, and 
spent his evenings reading and studying. He 
had been called a good scholar when he was a 
boy : and he began to take some pride in hav- 
ing it said that he knew more than the men he 
worked with. There wasn’t anything but what 
he could do with iron, and the way was all open 
for him to be a rich man, if he’d kept on. 
But you see, he had a terrible appetite for 
liquor. Whenever he went where it was, it 
almost drove him crazy, and he never was 
sure of getting through a day, without drink- 
ing. He didn’t want to drink ; but it seemed, 
sometimes, as though he couldn’t help it.” 


BILL DEOCK'S investment. 


175 


By this time, great beaded drops were 
standing on the speaker’s forehead, and his 
voice was husky with emotion ; but he con- 
tinued : 

“ The young man kept sober a whole year, 
until he had some confidence in himself. 
Others had confidence in him, too. He 
thouglit he was particular where he went, 
and — well — it’s no use telling the whole; 
but in a year more, he was as miserable a 
drunkard as could be found. Then he went 
to another place, where there didn’t anybody 
know him, and tried again. But now ’twas 
harder than ever ; up hill work every day ; 
though he managed to keep up a respectable 
show for a while ; and he had another chance 
to do well. 

Phil Melvin was silent so long after saying 
this, that his companion was about to ask 
for the completion of the story, when he re- 
sumed. 


176 BILL brock’s investment. 

“ Now comes the saddest part. Tliis young 
man saw a young woman he wanted for his 
wife, and he deceived her by pretending to be 
better than he really was, until she married 
him.” 

“ Did he love her ? ” asked George Merrill, 
quickly, thus revealing the fact that here for 
him, lay the great interest of the narrative. 

“ Yes,” was the reply. “ He loved her as 
well as such a man is capable of loving. But 
such men don’t know anything of true love. 
They may think they do ; but it is not possible 
for them. A drunkard is the most degraded 
man under heaven. He will do anything to 
gratify the hellish appetite which consumes 
him, and this man, I am telling you of, was as 
bad as the worst. His wife was a good 
woman, but he dragged her down to poverty 
and wretchedness. They moved from place to 
place, till at last she died. Her husband 
killed her.” 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


177 


“ Killed her ! ” exclaimed George Merrill. 

‘‘ Yes, killed her,” was the reply. “ I don’t 
mean that he cut her throat ; but he killed her 
with unkindness and neglect. I’ve seen a 
good many women killed that way. Husbands 
kill their wives and sons kill their mothers. 
God holds them responsible for it, too.” • 

‘‘ And what became of this man. Hadn’t he 
any children ? ” 

I’ll tell you pretty soon what became of 
him. He had four children ; but they all died 
except the oldest, a son, and he run away. 
"So the man was left alone ? ” 

“ What made his son leave him ? ” 

“ Because the man whipped him, and 
knocked him about, till he had no comfort in 
living.” 

‘‘ Served the man right. Any body that 
will treat a boy like that, deserves to be left 
alone. I would not stay with such a father. 
Such a man isn’t lit to live, any way.” 


178 


BILL brock’s investment. 


Philip Melvin’s face was of an ashen hue, 
as his strong features worked convulsivelj, 
and he essayed in vain to speak. 

What is the matter ? ” cried his compan- 
ion. ‘‘ Are you sick ? ” 

‘‘ No, not sick,” was the answer, in a voice 
which could not have been recognized ; so un- 
like was it to the usually clear, fall tones of 
the speaker. “ Then you think such a man, 
as Pve been describing, isn’t fit to live.” 

“ That was my first thought,” replied 
George Merrill, with some hesitation. ‘‘ But 
perhaps I’m not a good judge. I don’t know 
all. the circumstances.” 

“ No, you don’t. I haven’t told you the 
worst. I couldn’t.” 

“ What became of the man ? ” again asked 
George Merrill, coming back to this point. 

‘‘ What became of him ! ” repeated the nar- 
rator of this story, in an absent way. ‘‘ Do 
you know who helped you home last night ? ” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


179 


Yes, you did, Mr. Melvin ; and I’ve want- 
ed to thank you for it.* But I didn’t know 
how to begin. I’m ashamed of myself ; and 
I must seem to you something like the young 
man you’ve told me about.” 

‘‘ Well, George, the man I’ve been telling 
you about helped you home last night, I’ve 
been telling you my own story ; ” and the 
speaker covered his face with his hands. 

“ Then let me take back what I said, just 
now. Everybody says you’re a good man, 
and I’m sure you’ve done me good. I know 
why you told me a story, instead of giving me 
a lecture ; and you may be sure I’ll remember 
it.” 

“ Will you, and will you learn a lesson from 
it ? I don’t want people here to know about 
me, and I wouldn’t have told you, if I hadn’t 
thought, perhaps ’twould do you good.” 

‘‘ They shan’t know from me,” said young 
Merrill. ‘‘ I can keep your secret, and I 
will.” 


180 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“And you won’t do again as you did last 
night. I couldn’t sleep, for thinking of you, 
and I sat here, waiting till something drove 
me out of the house. I’m glad I went, though 
I kept saying to myself, all the time, ‘ That 
boy don’t belong to you.’^ But I knew you’d 
got a mother who thought about you. I’ve got 
a boy, too, and I want him to be a good man. 
Why, George, I’d rather see him in liis cof- 
fin tlian see him as I saw you, last night. 
Perhaps your mother would feel so.” 

“ I know she would,” replied the young man, 
now melted to tears. “ My mother is a good 
woman, and prays for me every day of her 
life.” 

“ I hadn’t any mother to pray for me,” said 
Mr. Melvin, sadly. “ She died when I was 
very young. My father lived till I was four- 
teen years old ; but he was not a praying man. 
Think of your good mother, the next time you 
are invited to join such a party as you did last 
night.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


181 


“ I will, Mr. Melvin. Let me give you my 
hand on it. I wish I had staid at home. But 
perhaps I needed to go through just as much, 
and it better come now than when I’m older.” 

‘‘ Yes, the sooner the better ; if it does you 
good.” 

“ It shall do me good. You shall see that 
it does.” 

Here a letter was thrown through the open 
window, and George Merrill rose to leave the 
room. 

‘‘ You needn’t go. This letter will give me 
news of my boy,” said Mr. Melvin, looking at 
the superscription. 

“ Tlien he writes to you,” was the involun- 
tary response. 

‘‘ Never ! ” said the father. “ In one sense 
he doesn’t belong to me. He has a good man 
for a guardian, and I pay his expenses. Work- 
ing for him is all the comfort I have. I 
wasn’t fit to have the care of him. See to 


182 


BILL brock’s investment. 


what love for strong drink has brought me, and 
take w'arning.” 

He read the letter. Phil was well, study- 
ing Latin, and fully idealizing all expectations 
in regard to him. ‘‘ He is a noble boy,” wuote 
his guardian. “ There are not many like him. 
My only trouble is, that he applies himself too 
closely to his books.” 

“ I shall go from here in a few days, and my 
brother shall remain but a short time longer. 
But I shall leave our boy here, for the present, 
unless you have some other plans.” 

William Parsons had written thus kindly, 
and wisely, rejoicing the father’s heart, appeal- 
ing to his best feelings, and increasing his self 
respect. He could have a voice in his son’s 
future ; so that life was not wholly without 
value ; and now if he might but save anotlier 
from ruin, he would count it a blessing, for 
which to thank God on bended knees. 


CHAPTER Y. 


Years of trial are over, at last, 

Gone with others, which lie in the past ; 

Grief forgotten, and sorrow no more, 

Love has conquered, and joy in store. • 

“ 0 father, my father ! ” The heart bounds to hear j 
This name falls, like music, again on the ear. 

ELL, old woman, guess you’ll have 
to look out for things here at home, 
two or three weeks,” said Bill 
Drock to his wife ; “ I’ve got a letter 
from Mister Hugh, and he’s a notion of trying 
the camp again. He and tlie boy Phil.” 

“ There’s enough for us both to do here,” 
answered the wife. You said, too, you wan’t 
going to camp this summer.” 

“ Yes, I know it, but this letter aTcrs the 



18 .) 


184 


BILL brock’s investment. 


case. I want to see Mister Hugh ; and I’ve 
got a little invested in that boy. I want to see 
how it’s likely to turn out. Guess I could 
spjye a few dollars more, couldn’t I ? ” 

“ Yes, old man ; we could, if it’s necessary. 
We’ve got enough for ourselves, here.” 

Bill was to meet the young man and his 
companion, on the stage road, at the nearest 
point to camp. “ Make ample provision for the 
eating ; ” wrote Hugh Parsons. “ I shall be 
ravenous.” 

Punctual at the time appointed. Bill Drock 
was waiting in the edge of the forest, looking 
out occasionally from his shady retreat, that 
he might catch a sight of the stage, as it came 
up the road. 

“ Hurrah ! ” he shouted at last, swinging 
his hat, in a way which would have frightened 
less well trained horses, than those of our old 
friend, the driver. 

•“ Halloo, Bill ! ” was the response, “ you 
turn up once in a while.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


185 


“Yes, .sir; and I always turn up in the 
right place, too. You notice that.” 

“ I do notice it ; and I heard the college 
folks were going to put some kind of a handle 
to your name. Heard anything about it your- 
self?” 

All this was lost upon the negro, who had 
eyes and ears only for two passengers, who 
were clambering down from the loftiest seat 
this vehicle afforded. 

No sooner had the elder reached terra 
firma, than he exclaimed, with a glad smile, 
“ How are you, old fellow ? ” 

“ I’m hearty, Mr. Hugh,” was the reply. 

A valise for eacli traveller, with a heavy 
shawl, rolled into the smallest possible com- 
pass, and tightly strapped, was their only bag- 
gage, so that the stage was not long delayed. 
Phil Melvin had chosen to be silent ; but now 
that he was left alone with his friends, he 
made an effort to speak. He was very glad 


186 


BILL brock’s investment. 


to see the man who had found him in the 
same pine w^oods a year before ; but it was 
impossible for him to say so, and Bill came to 
his assistance by exclaiming, in a laughing 
tone, “ So this is our boy. I’m glad to see 
you again ; but you’ve grown so tall, I should 
hardly know you. Perhaps I ought to call 
you Mister. How should you like that ? ” 

“ I shouldn’t like it at all. But I’m just as 
glad to see you as I can be, only it seems so 
strange to be here again. I couldn’t say so 
at first ; ” and he took Bill Brock’s hard hand 
between his own, and looked up into the black 
face with beaming eyes. 

Hugh Parsons, who liad walked on a few 
steps, smiled as he heard this frank avowal of 
pleasure, although his thoughts were some- 
what saddened by memory. The last year 
had been an eventful one to him, as well as to 
his companion. 

“ I’ll take your things,” said Bill, coming 


BILL brock’s investment. 


187 


up, looking radiantly kappy, as he carried 
Phil Melvin’s valise and shawl. I haint 
anything else to do ; and I’m the strongest.” 

‘‘ Quite sure of that ? ” asked the young 
man, relinquishing his baggage. I call my- 
self pretty strong.” 

“ You look better for living than you did 
last year,” was the response. “But there’s a 
chance for improvement. I’ve got things all 
ready for you. Been here two days, and 
toted enough for a whole gang.” 

Bill Drock supplemented this with a laugh 
which made the old forest ring. “J’ve been 
so happy, I wanted to laugh like that, ever 
since I came here ; but I couldn’t, because 
there wasn’t anybody to hear. Now I’m 
going to laugh as much more as I want to, 
and Phil must help me.” 

“ We shall both help you,” said Hugh Par- 
sons. “I am going to do something this 
summer, besides lie like a lt)g, on pine boughs. 
I intend to fish and tramp generally.” 


188 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


“ So you shall, if you obey orders, and 
don’t make yourself sick. I wish Mr. Par- 
sons had come. Where is he ? ” 

‘‘ Gone to preach the gospel to the heathen, 
in the western part of New York.” 

“ He will make a good minister,” re- 
sponded Bill Brock. “ He’s a good man.” 

Phil Melvin was walking slowly, but keep- 
ing within sight of those before him, that he 
might not lose his way. Weary, foot-sore, 
and hungry, he had trodden the depths of 
this forest, longing for rest and safety. Now 
he was provided with all necessary comforts, 
and secure in the love and care of generous 
friends. How grateful he was for the marvel- 
ous change in his life ; and what noble re- 
solves he formed there beneath the old pines, 
which had witnessed his poverty and suffer- 
ing. His mother seemed nearer to him here. 
And his father — yes, he, too, seemed nearer, 
although still far off. The boy never thought 


BILL brock’s investment. 189 

of him, except one to whom he might, some 
time, render assistance. 

“ You’ll lose your way again, Phil,” shouted 
Hugh Parsons, thus breaking the train of 
thought, and quickening the laggard’s steps. 

The camp was clean and fresh as it could 
be made, and despite the young man’s asser- 
tion that he should do something besides lie 
on pine boughs, he was glad to test the 
comfort of such a couch. Phil went to the 
kitchen, and watched his sable friend prepare 
supper, talking, as he, too, rested. 

“ You’re going to be a great scholar, ain’t 
you ? ” said Bill Drock. 

“ I mean to be,” was the reply. If I can 
earn money enough, I’m going to college. 
But I don’t know as I can. It takes lots of 
money.” 

“ How much ? ” 

“ I can’t tell exactly. A good many hun- 


dred dollars.” 


190 


BILL DIIOCK’S investment. 


‘‘ And you want to go. What you going to 
make ? A minister, like Mr, Parsons ? ” 

I shan’t be good enough for that,” an- 
swered the boy. “ And I’m afraid I can’t 
earn money enough. I wanted to work for 
Mr. Myers this vacation, but Mr. Hugh said I 
must come with him.” 

After this. Bill asked a great many ques- 
tions, and his companion told him all he 
wished to know. 

“ You’ve got a good home.” 

Oh, yes ; Mrs. Myers seems almost like 
my mother. I thought there was somebody 
in tlie world like her. The children cried 
when I came away, till I promised to come 
back.” 

“ How long you going to stay there ? ” 

“ I don’t know. Just as long as Mr. Par- 
sons says. I must do as he tells me. He 
wrote to me about coming here, and said I 
must leave all my books at home, except the 


BILL brock’s investment. 


191 


Bible. So you’ll let me go fishing, won’t 
you ? ” 

“ Yes , and I don’t know but I shall take 
you over to see tlie old woman. That’s my 
wife,” added Bill, laughing at the look of 
wonder on the boy’s face. ‘‘ She wants to see 
you, and Mr. Hugh, too. I’m going to talk to 
him about it.” 

By this time supper was ready, and Phil 
was called to eat with Mister Hugh, a sum- 
mons which he obeyed, although he would 
have preferred to eat in the shanty, as lie had 
done the year before. Such a supper. Trout 
fried to the most appetizing shade of brown, 
roasted potatoes, hoe-cake, which would com- 
pare favorably with the best made south of 
Mason and Dixon’s line, and coffee rich with 
well beaten eggs. No wonder the table was 
cleared, and, like Oliver Twist, Hugh begged 
for more. 

“ Got a reserve,” said Bill, as he went 


192 


BILL brock’s investment. 


back to the kitchen from which he had been 
called. “ I knew you’d be hungry,” and the 
reserve was brought. “ There, now, that’s all 
I’ve got cooked, except some potatoes and 
salt.” 

“ And what will you do for supper ? ” asked 
Phil Melvin, with some anxiety. 

“ Cook some more,” was the reply. “ Trust 
this child to look out for number one. Got 
enough now ? ” 

“ Yes,” answered Hugh. “ If we haven't, 
we’ll wait for enough till to-morrow.” 

Bill Drock was delighted with the unequiv- 
ocal compliments to his cooking, and set 
about preparing his own supper in a most 
genial mood. He could tote enough for them 
all, without minding the heat or distance. 
More than satisfied with the result of his last 
year’s investment for Phil, he calculated care- 
fully what more he could do, thinking of this 
until he fell asleep. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


193 


Hugh Parsons was early awake the next 
morning, ready for the bath which had been 
prepared, and which he declared to be magical 
in its effects. His man of all work chose to 
consider him something of an invalid, to 
which he made no objection, so long as it did 
not interfere with his own plans. 

“ NoWj wliat is to be done to-day ? ” he 
asked, after breakfast. “ I can’t lie round 
here.” 

“ Then you can go fishing, if you want 
to.” 

“ I do w^ant to ; I must have all the exer- 
cise I can get. In a few weeks, I shall go to 
my brother, and before winter, I shall be at 
work.” 

If you wouldn’t think me too bold, I 
would like to ask what you are going to do.” 

“I don’t know yet. What should you 
think of my running a farm ? ” 

“ You run a farm ? ” exclaimed Bill Drock, 


194 


BILL DBOCK’S investment. 


with one of his characteristic laughs. “ Guess 
you wouldn’t like it very well.” 

‘‘ I am afraid I shall not,” was the serious 
answer. “ But the doctors say I must live 
out of doors, and in order to do that, I must 
farm or peddle. Peddling wouldn’t suit me,” 
he added, merrily. “ William is on the look- 
out for some land. I’m going to have a good 
farm, or none.” 

“ Never did a day’s work on a farm in your 
life, did you ? ” 

“ No, but I’m sure I could, if I should try. . 
Perhaps I’ll send for you. Will you come ? ” 

“ I don’t know, Mister Hugh. I’d go as 
far for you as most anybody ; but that’s a 
good ways off, and I’m afraid the old woman 
wouldn’t like it. What you going to do with 
the boy ? ” 

“ Leave him where he is, for the present. 
When he is older, he will need to go where he 
can attend a more advanced school.” 

‘‘ He wants to go to college.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


195 


“ Yes, and he’s going, if he lives, and has 
good health.” 

“ He says it will cost a good deal of 
money.” 

“ Yes, but there’s money enough fj)r him.” 

‘‘ I want to do a little for him,” said Bill 
Drock. “ You see that boy seems nearer to 
me than anybody but my old woman ; and she 
wants to have me help him.” 

“ Bill Drock, you are a noble man,” ex- 
claimed Hugh Parsons, grasping his com- 
panion’s hand. “ I am proud to have you for 
a friend. If Phil ever needs your help, he 
sure you shall have the privilege of giving 
it.” 

This man was never so happy in his life 
before, although he wiped the tears from liis 
eyes as he said,^“ Thank you. Mister Hugh. 
I know I’m only a poor, ignorant man, but I 
should like to do some good In the world. It 
is not much one like me can do.” 


196 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ You are not sure of that,” was the re- 
sponse. ‘‘You may never ^know in this life 
what good you do. We work, each in his 
own place, and God meets out our reward.” 

“ Yes, that’s a comfort, Mr. Hugh. I’ve 
thought of that a good many times, when I’ve 
seen folks doing what I couldn’t; and I 
should be glad to help Phil do what he wants 
to.” 

“ You shall, if it is ever necessary,” an- 
swered, Hugh Parsons , and Phil coming up, 
the conversation closed. 

Fishing was the order of the day, involving 
a two miles tramp, and proving a good invest- 
ment of time and strength. Night found the 
trio ready for rest and sleep. 

Three weeks had been allotted to this 
recreation in the forest, but it was prolonged 
to four, during which time, a visit was made 
to Bill Brock’s home, ten miles distant. 
Had the visitors been princes royal, no 



Sport at the Camp 


Page 196 











BILL brock’s investment. 


197 


greater preparations could have been made for 
them, than was made by “ the old woman,’’ 
and her husband. 

Both officiated in the kitchen, and there 
was a rapid decrease in the number of chick- 
ens on the place. Cream and eggs were of 
no account, except as they could furnisli food 
for the honored guests. All, too, was served 
with such neatness as to enhance the luxury 
of living. 

At the end of two days, Hugh declared it 
would never do to remain longer. “ We shall 
be spoiled,” he said, laugliing, while the mis- 
tress of the house shook her head at what she 
called nonsense. 

She was glad to have seen Phil, of whom 
she had heard so much, and bade him good 
bye with the feeling that she had known him 
for a long time. 

After this, there were a few days in camp, 
and then the stage driver found two passen- 


198 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


gers awaiting him at the edge of the pine 
woods. Bill Brock was thex'e to see them off, 
in less jubilant spirits than he had been at 
their coming, yet able to respond heartily to 
all words of greeting. Both Hugh Parsons 
and Phil had promised him letters, and this 
promise did much towards consoling him for 
their absence. 

“ Been camping out, have you ? ” said the 
driver, so soon as they were well on their 
way. 

“ Yes,” was the curt reply, in an indifferent 
tone, but nothing daunted this man, who had 
exhausted his powers of enquiry on Hugh 
Parsons a month before, continued, ‘‘ Guess I 
brought you up, a while ago.” 

“ Yes,” was again said. 

‘‘ This boy’s pretty young to try camping. 
He looks like a little fellow we used to have 
ill our town. I thought of it when I saw him 
before. Wonder if you're any relation to 


BILL brock’s investment. 


109 


him,” he added, turning to the boy, and look- 
ing him in the face. 

Phil Melvin knew the driver perfectly well, 
having often seen him, and thought him a 
great man to be able to manage horses in 
such a wonderful way. Phil, however, did not 
wish to acknowledge himself, and now looked 
at his companion for some way of escape. 

“ He has no relative in this vicinity,” said 
Hugh Parsons. ‘‘We came from another 
part of tlie State.” 

Completely foiled, the curious man began to 
whistle loudly, giving an occasional look at 
his young passenger, in the vain effort to sat- 
isfy himself if his suspicions were correct. It 
was not strange that he failed to recognize the 
elder, although he prided himself upon re- 
membering every face he had once seen. 

Phil was glad to be at home with his books 
and the children, who gave him such a cordial 
welcome. He only regretted to lose his friend. 


200 


BILL brock’s investment. 


who, before leaving, made arrangements for , 
him to continue the study of Latin, and gave 
him much good advice. 

“ Don’t talk of earning money at present,” 
said Hugh Parsons, at their last interview. 

“ I tell you there will be a way to repay every 
cent you have received ; and I would not tell 
you this, if I was not sure of it.” 

“ Are you quite sure ? ” asked Phil. 

“ Quite sure,” was the reply. “ All you 
need do, for the present, is to keep yourself 
well, learn what you can, and get ready to be 
a useful man. Will you do that ? ” 

‘‘ Yes, sir, I will try to do just right.” 

“ I have no doubt you will,” responded the 
young man. “You have been a comfort to 
us, ever since we first saw you ; and I’m sure 
there’s good in store for you. Perhaps I shall 
send for you to come out to my farm, when I 
get settled. There’s a good school where 
brother William is. You might fit for college 
there.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


201 


For the next year and a half, there was 
little of incident in this boy’s life. He went 
and came, like a child of the family, giving no 
cause for censure or anxiety. Mrs. Myers he 
addressed as mother ; but he never forgot that 
he had a father, and could not bring himself 
to speak that name. 

•He was thirteen years of age when his 
guardian visited him for the purpose of decid- 
ing definitely in regard to his future course. 
Mr. Melvin had, from time to time, remitted 
so generously for his son’s support, that there 
was quite a sum at interest, to be drawn upon 
when necessity should demand. William 
Parsons was particularly desirous that the 
fatlier and son should meet, yet was unable to 
decide how this should be effected. 

Before seeing Phil, he visited Mr. Melvin, 
and found that a surprising change had been 
wrought in the man. He was universally re- 
spected, exerting a powerful influence over all 
with wliom he associated. 


202 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ Melvin is the best man on the premises,” 
said Mr. Bangs, when speaking of liim. 

Best everyway. He has been a treasure to 
me; helped me through some tight places, 
where I was ready to give up.” 

One who looked at Philip Melvin would not 
suspect this of being flattery. He was a man 
of splendid physique, with a strong, intelligent 
face. What might he not have been, but for 
the wors^ than wasted years, which lay be- 
hind him ? Regret and remorse ! How they 
haunted him, like spectres! So true is it, 
that the past, with its ten thousand arms, 
enfolds us. 

Mr. Parsons spent a day and a night with 
him, talking much of the boy, in whom they 
had a mutual interest. 

“ I wish you to decide in regard to him,” 
said the young man. “ He is one to be proud 
of, and as yet, he knows nothing of what you 
have done for him. He ought to know, as a 
matter of justice to you both.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


203 

‘‘ I think of him a great deal,” was the 
father’s reply. “ I long to see him, but I can 
imagine how he feels ; how I should have felt 
at his age. I know, too,” he added, “ my 
father used to whip me, and I hated him for 
it. It may have been wrong; but it was 
natural, and my father didn’t treat me half so 
bad as I did Phil. I don’t wonder the boy 
don’t love me. But I love him better every 
day I live. My love for him has been the sal- 
vation of me. I’d cut off my right hand, 
before I’d do anything to disgrace him. Per- 
haps we shall meet when he’s a man, and 
understands better what ’tis to be a drunkard. 
He can’t know now. I want you to take care 
of him, and I want to pay you for all the 
trouble. I can do it, as far as money goes, 
and it will be a great satisfaction to me.” 

Mr. Melvin seemed never ready to stop, 
when once he commenced speaking of Phil. 
There was such a world of tenderness in his 


204 


BILL brock’s investment. 


heart, which had found expression only in 
manual labor for the support of his child, that 
words were an unbounded relief. “ I shall 
tire you,” he said, at length. 

“ No fear of that,” said his companion. “ I 
am thankful Phil has so good a father, and I 
am sure he will repay you for all you do for 
him.” 

Repay me,” repeated the father, It will 
be enough, if he forgives me. Oh, I want 
Phil to be good. I want him to be a Chris- 
tian, so he can meet his mother in heaven.” 

‘‘And his father, too,” added the young 
minister. 

“ I don’t dare to expect that. It would be 
too much, after my wicked life ; and he didn’t 
want to live with me here.” 

“ If you had been as you are now, he would 
never have left you.” 

“ I know, I know,” said Mr. Melvin. “ If 
I had been as I am now, I should have made 


BILL brock’s investment. 


205 


my wife and children happy. But I didn’t, 
and I must suffer the consequences.” 

“ Christ offers pardon freely ; and the best 
of us have much to be forgiven. I hope you 
can love and trust the dear Saviour.” 

“ I do that,” answered the lonely man, a 
smile lighting up his face. 

“Then you believe he has forgiven your 
sins.” 

Again the shadow, as the reply was given. 
“ That don’t seem possible, when I think how 
great my sins have been.” 

‘‘ But you must look away from your sins to 
Christ. You can never make your sins less. 
With all your sorrow, they will remain the 
same.” 

“ You are right, Mr. Parsons, and the 
more I think of that, the blacker they seem. 
If my wife had lived, so I could make up to 
her, in some way, for my unkindness, I should 
have more hope of being forgiven. But I 
can’t do anything for her.” 


206 


BILL brock’s investment. 


‘‘ She needs nothing from you,” was the re- 
sponse. “ It is a true saying, and worthy of 
all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into 
the world to save sinners. The same love 
which forgives one sin, can forgive many. 
Will you believe this?” 

“ I will try,” said Mr. Melvin, with a slight 
hesitation. 

After some further interchange of thought 
in regard to this momentous question of for- 
giveness and justification, they spoke again of 
Phil. Mr. Parsons asked if he might inform 
the boy to whom he was indebted. 

“ Not yet,” replied the father. “ Not until 
he wants to see me, and perhaps that will 
never be. If that time ever comes, you may 
tell him. You promised, Mr. Parsons.” 

“ I did promise, and I hold myself bound,” 
was the reply. “ But if Phil ever expresses a 
desire £o see you, I shall consider myself at 
liberty to tell him all.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


207 


“Yes, you can tell him then,” said the 
father, sadly. “ But I’m afraid that time will 
never come.” ^ 

His companion did not share this fear. On^ 
the contrary, some good spirit suggested to 
him a plan which promised success in bring- 
ing about the desired meeting. 

William Parsons was to spend the Sabbath 
with a clerical friend, and Saturday morning 
bade adieu to Mr. Melvin. His thoughts were 
engrossed with the father and son, whose 
lives had been so strongly linked with his 
own, and during the afternoon, he gave his 
friend a brief outline of their mutual relation. 

“ Did you say the man’s name is Melvin ? ” 
asked his brother clergyman. 

“ That is his name,” was the reply, accom- 
panied with a look of profound astonishment. 

“ I didn’t know, however, that I had told you 
so much as that.” 

“ Neither have you,” said Mr. Austin. “ I 


208 


BILL brock’s investment. 


recognized him by your description. I have 
heard of him before, or rather, I have heard 
of such a man at The Furnaces, and you told 
me you had just come from there. I knew 
there could hardly be two like him in the 
same establishment. But you need have no 
fears that I shall betray your secret.” 

“ I have no fears of that,” said Mr. Parsons. 

I hope there will soon be no secret to betray. 
It troubles me, but I should like to know how 
and what you heard of Mr. Melvin.” 

“ I have heard only good. There is a 
young man from our town at the Furnaces, 
who considers Mr. Melvin his best friend. 
He has recently made a profession of religion, 
and attributes his conversion to Mr. Melvin’s 
influence. George Merrill, his name is. His 
mother was very anxious about him, for 
several years. There was danger that he- 
would be dissipated.” 

‘‘I am very glad to hear this,” responded 
the visitor. 


BILL DKOCK’S investment. 


209 


‘‘ And I am very glad to tell you. I have 
really wished to see Mr. Melvin. Mrs. Merrill 
would tell you much more than I have. She 
says he has saved her son from being a drunk- 
ard. If he has a son of his own, the boy 
ought to know what a good man he is.” 

All this confirmed William Parsons in his 
determination to carry out the plan which had 
been so happily suggested. He hastened to 
Mr. Myers, where a large, noble looking boy, 
whom he would scarcely have recognized, was 
eagerly expecting him. Old, too, for his 
years, as well as large, was Phil Melvin, 
thoughtful and earnest; one of whom much 
might reasonably be expected. 

“We shall be very sorry to lose him, al- 
though he needs better school advantages than 
lie can have here,” said Mr. Myers. “ If he 
was my own boy, I should send him away. I 
suppose you will take him with you.” 

“ That is what I intended, when I came on. 


210 


BILL brock’s investment. 


But something may occur to change my plans. 
I wish to do what is best for all.” 

Phil was anxious to go on with his educa- 
tion as rapidly as possible. Sometimes he 
thought seriously of giving up the idea of 
college, until he had earned more money. 
His fancied dependence was a great drawback 
to his happiness, notwithstanding Hugh Par- 
son’s assertion. This feeling was apparent to 
his guardian ; indeed, he expressed it plainly, 
when he said, ‘‘ I am getting old enough to 
work and provide for myself. I ought not to 
be dependent upon you any longer. You 
have been very kind, and I am very thank- 
ful.” 

“ If I remember right, you once said you 
were willing to do as I thought best,” was the 
smiling reply. 

“ Yes, sir, I did say so,” replied Phil, look- 
ing steadily into the face of his guardian. 

‘‘ And have you changed your mind ? ” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


211 


“ No, sir. I am willing to do as you think 
best, now ; but I don’t want to be a burden to 
you.” 

“ You are not a burden to me, in any 
way,” said William Parsons, throwing his arm 
around the boy. “ Will you believe that ? ” 

“ Yes, sir,” was the prompt reply, although 
it was evident that his faith was somewhat 
staggered. 

‘‘ In a few days, I will tell you what I wish 
you to do. Perhaps I shall take you home 
with me. You could fit for college in our 
village.” 

Phil was about to speak as caution prompt- 
ed ; but checking himself, said, “ I should 
like to live with you, if you think best.” 

“ That is well,” responded his guardian 
with a smile. “ You are improving, and I 
have no doubt we shall get on very well 
together. And now I have some news for 
you. I propose taking a trip to your old 


212 


BILL brock’s investment. 


home. I wish to see Mr. 'VYells, and I 
thought you might like to visit your mother’s 
grave.” 

“ Oh, yes, I should. I’ve thought about it 
ever so much. I know just where it is, out in 
one corner of the yard ; and there was a little 
pine tree at the head of the grave, I looked 
at it the night I came away, and thought I 
should remember the place by that. When I 
am a man, I mean to have a nice white stone 
there. Mother told me how old she, was, and 
I remember when she died.” 

‘‘ You would like to see Mr. Wells, too.” 

“ Yes, sir. He used to put his hand on 
my head, and tell me I must be a good boy. 
Mother liked to hear him preach and pray; 
and he prayed for me when mother died. He 
asked God to guide my steps in the right way, 
and ” 

Here the boy’s voice was checked, and tears 
^ came to his relief. It was seldom that one 


BILL DBOCK’S investment. 


213 


saw him weep now ; but the same gentle, 
loving heart beat in liis bosom as had 
throbbed there when he sat at his mother’s 
feet, and with smiles or, tears, responded to 
the emotions which were mirrored in her face. 
Mr. Parsons did not chide him for this weep- 
ing, only as his sobs grew less frequent, spoke 
to him cheerfully of the proposed journey. 

“ I think we will go to-morrow. I should 
like to reach home in season for you to com- 
mence the next term of school. You will be 
the minister’s boy there, and a good deal will 
be expected of you. Do you think you can 
meet the expectations ? ” 

“ I will try,” answered Phil. “ I will do 
the best I can. I shall see Mr. Hugh there.” 

“ Certainly. His farm is only a mile from 
the village, and you may board there for the 
present, if Aunt Susan can be persuaded to 
take a boy into her family. She don’t like 
boys. She says they arc noisy, storming 


214 


BILL brock’s investment. 


about, and making more trouble than they are 
worth ; always getting into mischief, and up. 
setting the whole house.” 

Phil opened his eyes at this general descrip- 
tion of boys, saying, “ I don’t think I upset 
the whole house.” 

“ No, you don’t look at all like it,” was the 
reply. “ I presume you and Aunt Susan 
would be the best of friends. Any way, we 
shall see,” and Phil forgot his sadness, in 
thinking of this stranger aunt, who, by the 
way, was only a distant relative of the 
brothers. 

Two days after, this company was expected 
at the parsonage occupied by Mr. and Mrs. 
Wells, and the good minister left his study 
somewhat earlier than usual, that he might be 
in readiness to receive his guests. The stage 
drove up to the door in dashing style, and the 
driver was careful to hear the names of the 
passengers he had left. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


215 


“ I thought I couldn’t he mistaken,” he 
said to himself. “ Melvin’s boy, by Jupiter ! 
And that oldest one is the man I brought up 
from the pine woods, most tliree years ago. 
Wonder what’s in the wind now.” 

Tea was waiting for the travellers, and Mrs. 
Wells showed them at once to their rooms, 
where they might make themselves ready for 
the table. Mr. Parsons entered a large front 
chamber, while Phil was ushered into one of 
more modest pretensions. 

He looked around in bewilderment, closed 
the door, that he might be entirely alone, and 
rubbed his eyes, as if to assure himself that 
lie was not dreaming. Every article of furni- 
ture was familiar, from the high-posted bed- 
stead, to the neatly braided rug before the 
yellow wash-stand. These had once been his 
mother’s. He opened the drawers of the 
bureau, and it seemed to him that her hand 
must have arranged their contents. He had 


216 


BILL brock’s investment. 


often thought of all these which his mother 
had so much prized, and wondered what dis- 
position had been made of them. 

It was not strange that he forgot all else, in 
his surprise. His guardian called him before 
he had thought of brush and water. 

“ Oh, Mr-. Parsons, these were my mother’s 
things,” he said. ‘‘ How did they come 
here ? ” 

“ I presume Mr. Wells can tell you,” was 
the evasive reply. “ They look as if they had 
been well taken care of.” 

“ Yes, they must be just as mother left 
them. I wonder father didn’t take them 
away. It seems so strange to see them here.” 

“ You can ask Mr. Wells about it. But 
now brush your hair, and wash a little of the 
dust from your face and hands.” 

Their kind hostess urged Phil to eat, and as 
a matter of civility, he endeavored to do so. 
While riding, he had counted upon his sup- 


BILL brock’s investment. 


217 


per ; but now that it was before him, he had 
no appetite. He was glad when they left the 
table, more glad still, when his guardian said 
to Mr. Wells, “ Philip recognized the furniture 
in the room your wife assigned to him, and 
would like to ask how it came there.” 

“ It was your mother’s,” said the clergy- 
man. 

‘‘ Yes, sir, I remembered it.” 

“ Your father wished me to take care of it 
for you.” 

“ For me, Mr. Wells ? ” the boy exclaimed. 
“ Did father do that ? ” 

“ Yes,” was the reply. “ Your father told 
me about it the evening before he went away, 
and his creditors were willing I should take 
the furniture home.” 

‘‘ Father owed some money,” said Phil. 
‘‘ I heard mother talk to him about it.” 

“ Yes, but he paid it very soon, and the 
furniture is yours. My wife thought you 


218 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


would like to sleep in your own bed to-niglit.” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

Nothing more could the boy say. He 
longed to be alone. The presence even of 
these friends was irksome. His guardian 
divined this, and said, “ Perhaps you would 
like to go out and look around the village.” 

This was enough, and directly Phil Melvin 
was walking towards the cemetery. Unheed- 
ing the questioning gaze of those he met, 
thinking of his father, his mother, the past 
and present stood out in strong contrast. 

In one corner was the grave he sought, but 
the pine tree was gone. There was a pure, 
white stone. He must be mistaken. But no ! 
Chiselled in the marble was his mother’s 
name, her age, and the date of her death. 
Wlio had anticipated part of his manhood’s 
work, and placed here this fitting monument ? 
Homeless, friendless, and despairing, he had 
stood there in the moonlight, by a nameless 


BILL brock’s investment. 


219 


grave. Who would have dreamed that three 
years could effect such a change ? ” 

For the first time in ail those years, some- 
tliing like love for his father stirred his heart. 
Did he wish to see this father ? Not yet. 
He could not forget the unkindness which had 
embittered his sainted mother’s life 

He lingered here until the sun went down, 
and the chill of evening warned him that 
he should return to the parsonage. Mrs. 
Wells was standing at the door, waiting for 
his coming. “ You did not lose your , way,” 
she said. 

‘‘ No mam, I don’t think I could do that. 
I have been to my mother’s grave.” 

“ 1 thought so. I knew you would wish to 
go there. Your father has placed a very 
handsome stone at her grave.” 

‘‘ Did father do that ? ” exclaimed Phil. 

Certainly, my child. Who should do 
it?” 


220 BILL brock’s investment. 

‘‘ I don’t know. But * I didn’t suppose 
father cared.” 

“He* does care,” said Mrs. Wells, earn- 
estly, “ and he cares a great deal for his 
boy.” 

“ Hoes he care for me ? ” 

“ Indeed he does,” replied the good woman, 
who was exceedingly anxious that the un- 
natural estrangement between Mr. Melvin and 
his son should be ended. 

“ I didn’t know it,” Phil replied, in an ab- 
sent way. 

“ Then I am glad to tell you. You must 
think of your father as a very different man 
from what he used to be. He is sorry for all 
the wrong he has done.” 

“ Mother said he would be, but ” and 

/ here the boy shuddered. 

Mrs. Wells thinking she had said quite 
enough, for the present, was content to leave 
him to his own reflections, and presently 


BILL block’s investment. 


221 


the family was called together for evening 
worship. 

When ready to retire, Pliil asked his guar- 
dian to go to his room ; yet when they were 
alone there together, the boy was silent. 

“ What is it, Phil ? There is something 
you wish to say to me,” said Mr. Parsons, 
after waiting for some time. 

“ Yes, sir. Father has put up a stone at 
mother’s grave.” 

“ I knew that he had,” was the reply. 

“ And Mrs. Wells says he cares for me,” 
continued Phil. 

‘‘ Certainly he does. He loves you as well 
as any father loves his so^.” 

“ Oh, Mr. Parsons, how do you know ? ” 
cried Phil, sinking upon his knees by the side 
of his guardian. 

“ How do I know ? I know it by his words, 
and his actions.” 

“ Have you seen him ? ” sobbed the boy. 


222 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


“ Yes,- 1 saw him less than a week ago, and 
I know that he loves you. He is bitterly 
sorry for his unkindness to his family. He 
says you are all he has to live for.” 

“ But he hasn’t me at all. I don’t belong 
to him; I belong to you. Please tell me 
about him.” 

Then Mr. Parsons told how he had saved 
the life of Fred Bangs, told him all, from the 
strange voice which had been heard above the 
din of clanging iron, to the final rescue. 

“ And father did that,” said Phil, with a 
glow of honest pride upon his tear-stained 
face. “ Wasn’t it a grand thing to do ? ” 

“ Truly grand ; and the boy whose life was 
saved, loves your father.” 

“ Why, how could he help it, Mr. Parsons ? 
I should love anybody who saved my life. I 
love the good black man, who found me in 
the pine woods, and I wish I could see him. 
I wish I could see father, too. But perhaps 
he wouldn’t want to see me.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


223 


The expression so long desired had been 
uttered at last, and Mr. Parsons replied, 

“ Your father does wish to see you. I have 
known that for a long time, but he said I 
must not tell you.” 

‘‘ He did ! What made him do that ? ” 
asked Phil, eagerly. 

Without answering this question, Mr. Par- 
sons asked another. “ Who do you suppose 



of you ? ” 


I suppose you, and Mister Hugh, and that 
black man. I have got the money all written 
down in a book, so I can pay you when I am 
a man,” 

“ You have nothing to pay me, or Hugh,” 
said his guardian. “You are in debt a few 
dollars to Bill Brock, and for the rest, you 
must settle with your father.” 

“ With my father ! I don’t know what you 
mean.” 


224 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ I mean that he has paid your bills, and 
there is money in the bank for you, which he 
has earned. Do you believe now that your 
father loves you ? ’’ 

“ Oh, Mr. Parsons, why didn’t you tell me 
this before ? ” 

‘‘ Because your father made me promise 
never to tell you, unless you wished to see 
him, and I would keep my promise. I 
brought you here, hoping you would learn 
enough to make you wish to see him, and so 
give me the privilege of telling you this.” 

It was past midnight when Phil Melvin lay 
down upon his own bed, yet not to sleep. He 
was going to see his father, and this thought 
was, in itself, sufficient to banish sleep. It 
was his father who had saved a human life ; 
his father who had supported him, when he 
thought himself indebted to others. 

He longed for the coming day. Never for 
him had morning dawned more brightly ; and 


ILL DROCK’S investment. 


225 


yet liis greeting to Mr. Parsons was subdued 
and half whispered. 

Their host and hostess now spoke freely of 
what had transpired within the past three 
years, and Mi\ Melvin’s name was mentioned 
with respect. 

We should be glad to have him back 
here,” said the clergyman. ‘‘ He has been 
offered very generous wages ; but Mr. Bangs 
says he shall never part with him, so long as 
money will secure his services.” 

To this, and much more of the same import, 
Phil listened, without presuming to offer a re- 
mark. Indeed, what could he say of one of 
whom he knew so little ? 

‘‘ I suppose you will go to college,” said 
Mr. Wells, to his young guest, later in the 
morning. 

“ I should like to go,” was the reply. 

“ Then there is nothing to prevent. Your 
father told me he would gladly pay your ex- 


226 


BILL brock’s investment. 


penses, if you should desire to go. I am glad 
the way is open for you. So many hoys are 
obliged to work their way along, until they 
either break down in their health, or get 
discouraged. I was an exception. I had 
strength enough to go through ; but it was 
pretty hard, sometimes. Mr. Parsons says 
you will be ready for college in three years, 
if you go on as you have commenced.” 

‘‘ I hope to be,” replied the boy. 

“ And I rejoice in your good fortune. 
Your mother’s prayers for you are answered. 
I never pass the house where she died, with- 
out thinking how kindly God has cared for 
her child ; and I am happy to see you here. 
I hope you will go to your father, ready to for- 
get everything unpleasant ” 

‘‘Yes, sir,” answered’ Phil ; but even this 
allusion hurt lifm. 

Before noon, he went again to his mother’s 
grave, visited the old house he had once called 


BILL brock’s investment. 227 

“ home,” and entered the deserted rooms. 
He went into the loft, and there, hidden away 
in the darkest corner, he found some of his 
childhood’s treasures, just as he had left them. 
The frames of two old chairs stood by the low 
window ; bundles of herbs, which he had him- 
self gathered, still hung from the rafters, and 
two coarsely colored pictures, pasted upon the 
wall by his indulgent mother, had not entirely 
faded. After all, he had spent some happy 
hours in that small garret. 

He brushed the cobwebs from the window, 
placed a board across one of the old chair- 
frames, and sat down where he could look out 
upon a landscape, little changed since he had 
sat there before. It was a homely place for 
the awakening of tender emotion ; but he was 
only a child, thoughtful and mature beyond 
his years, yet only a child. He gave a last 
look to all which reminded him of his child- 
hood, walked through the village, up past the 
foundry, and then returned to the parsonage. 


228 


BILL brock’s investment. 


By this time, it was known that he was in 
town, and before night, several called at Mr. 
Wells’, expecting to see him, more interested 
perhaps, than they would have been, had he . 
needed their sympathy. But the object of 
their curiosity was gone, Mr. Parsons and 
himself having been carried, by private con- 
veyance, to meet a stage which would take | 
them to The Furnaces that evening. 

Failing to see Phil, these people made 
ample amends for the want of sight, by a vig- ! 
orous use of their tongues ; some expressing 
wonder at the way things had turned out, and 
others prophesying a remarkable future for 
the boy. 

“ I always knew he was smart, after he ran 
away,” said one. “ You know he was the 
best scholar in school. Good at home, too. 
Mrs. Melvin used to say he was handy as a 
girl about the house. For my part, I’m glad 
he’s so well off ; and ’twouldn’t be strange if 


BILL brock’s investment. 


229 


Melvin should turn out a rich man, after all. 
I’ve heard of such things.” 

‘‘ And you say he haint seen his father 
all this time,” remarked another, although 
Mrs. Wells had not said this, except in answer 
to a question which she could not evade. 
“ Strange, ain’t it ? ” continued the speaker. 
“ I always knew there was something about 
Melvin different from other folks. I wonder 
what he’ll say, when he sees his boy.” 

The boy wondered, too. In anticipation 
he lived over the meeting several times, but it 
proved different from what he had expected. 
Mr. Parsons thought best to stop at the public 
house, unattractive as it was to one of his 
taste ; and here he left his ward, while he 
went to call upon Mr. Melvin. 

“ He’s out, somewhere, with Mr. Bangs,” 
said Mrs. Steele, in answer to the gentleman’s 
enquiry. “ Won’t you come in, and wait for 
him?” 


230 


BJLL DROCK’S investment. 


“Thank you... But I wish to see him di- 
rectly,” was the reply. “ If you will tell me 
where I shall probably find him, I think I will 
not come in.” 

“ I can’t tell ; but perhaps George knows. 
I’ll ask him.” Mrs. Steele disappeared for a 
moment, and then returned to say that George 
Merrill would go out and look for Mr. Melvin, 
adding, “You had better come in and wait.” 

Mr. Parsons had not long to wait. The 
man whose presence he desired, was soon 
found. 

“You did not expect to see me again so 
soon,” said the visitor. 

“ No, I did not. But I am glad to see you, 
for all that. Have you seen Phil since you 
were here ? ” 

“ Yes, I saw him not half an hour ago.” 

“ What do you mean, Mr. Parsons ? Is 
Phil in this town ? ” 

“ He is at the hotel,” was the reply. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


231 


“ But your promise.” 

\ 

‘‘ I have not broken my promise,” said the 
young minister, with deep emotion. ‘‘ Your 
son wished to see you, and I had no choice 
but to take him here.” 

“ Did Phil wish to see me ? ” cried the 
father. “ Oh, my boy, is it possible ? And 
he wanted to see me ! ” 

Like a child, the strong man wept and 
smiled by turns, asking questions, without 
thought or care that they should be answered. 

I must go to Phil,” he said at length. “ I 
must see him. But how will he meet me ? ” 

‘‘ Suppose he comes to you,” responded 
William Parsons. “ It might be more pleas- 
ant for you both, to meet here in your own 
room.” • ^ 

“ Thank you for thinking of it. That will 
be the best way. Tell him to come, if he can 
forgive me.” 

Phil was waiting impatiently, and with 


232 


BILL brock’s investment. 


valise in hand, sprang down the steps to meet 
his gnardian. “ Does father want to see 
me?” 

“ Yes, he does,” was the quick reply. 

“ And shall I take my valise ? ” 

Yes, you can take it, and come with me.” 

Phil raised his cap, swept back the heavy 
hair from his forehead, and then, replacing 
his cap, nervously hurried on. 

“ A little more slowly, if you please,” said 
his companion, smiling. “ I can hardly keep 
up with you.” 

“ Excuse me, sir ; I forgot. I was thinking 
of my father.” 

At the foot-bridge, Mr. Parsons pointed to 
Mrs. Steele’s house, and bade the boy go for- 
ward, adding, I will follow at my leisure.” 

Mr. Melvin looked from the window, and 
seeing a boy crossing the bridge, wondered if 
it could be his Phil, so tall, broad-shouldered, 
and manly. Yes, it was. His breath came 


BILL brock’s investment. 


233 


thick and fast. Some one called for him at 
the door, and directly Mrs. Steele said, 
“ Somebody to see you, Mr. Melvin,” as she 
opened and closed the door of his room. 

“ Oh, my boy, my boy ! ” cried the man, 
and folding Phil in his arms, held him in a 
close embrace. “ Is it possible tliat I see you 
once more ? ’’ 

Their tears mingled, and yet the son had 
not spoken. At last, Mr. Melvin observed 
this, and said, ‘‘ Speak to me, Phil. ^ Tell me 
you forgive me. Oh, I am so sorry I ever 
struck you ! Do forgive me, Phil, my darling 
boy. Speak ! Speak ! ” 

The boy’s emotion then found utterance in 
words. “ Don’t say that, father. Let us for- 
get, and let me thank you for all you have 
done for me, since I left you. Perhaps I 
didn’t do right to go away.” 

“ Never say that. You did right then, as 
you always have, and I was a wretch.” 


284 


BILL brock’s investment. 


Up to this time, they had been standing. 
Now Mr. Melvin said, “ Come,, sit down in my 
lap ; ” and the arm-chair received them both. 
“ Can you ever love me again ? ” 

Father ! ” This single word, with a 

kiss pressed upon the quivering lips, was 
sufficient answer. 

There was a long silence, during which Mr. 
Melvin caressed his son with touching fond- 
ness. The better nature of this man had 
began to assert itself, when he was cut off 
from family ties. Now it was such a pleasure 
to feel that there was some one to love him. 

In the happiness of the moment, he said to 
Phil, You shall never want for anything 
wliich money can give you. I am willing to 
work for you day and night, if necessary. 
Oh, I wish your mother could have lived.” 

At mention of his mother, the boy sobbed 
audibly, and resting his head upon his father’s 
shoulder, wept without restraint. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


235 


Ml-. Parsons, who had intentionally lin- 
gered, came up the walk, and seeing Mrs. 
Steele at the window, entered her room. 

“ Do tell me if that is Mr. Melvin’s boy,” 
she said instantly, in a low voice. • 

“ Yes, mam, it is,” was the reply. 

Well, I thought it must be, though he 
never told me he had a boy. But take a 
seat,” she said, moving forward a large 
rocking-chair. ‘‘ I heard, some way, that 
Mr. Melvin had one child. He’s a nice look- 
ing boy.” 

“ He’s a noble boy,” responded Mr. Par- 
sons. ‘‘ Any father may well be proud of 
him.” 

“ He’s got a good father, too,” said the 
woman. “ I don’t know what Mr. Melvin’s 
done, in the course of his life ; but he’s a 
o’ood man now. There ain’t a workman in 

o 

The Furnaces can compare with him in any 
thing. He earns more money than anybody 


236 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


else. Where has his boy been all this 
time ? ” 

“ He has been at school.” 

“ Well, perhaps somebody else could take 
better care of him than his father could alone ; 
but I suppose his father has supported him.” 

“ Certainly ; ” and William Parsons was 
very glad to answer this question in the af- 
firmative. 

“I never believed that story,” now said 
Mrs. Steele to herself, triumphantly. “ I 
knew Mr. Melvin was no such man.” But 
she remarked aloud, “ They seemed glad to 
see each other, and I’m glad his boy has 
come. I like the looks of him.” 

There was opportunity for a long conversa- 
tion before these two were interrupted. Both 
Mr. Melvin and his son seemed to forget that 
the world contained any one but themselves. 
After the first emotion awakened by their 
meeting had somewhat spent itself, there was 


BILL brock’s investment. 


237 


so mucli to be said, that time passed un- 
heeded. 

At length Phil starting up, exclaimed, 
“ Why, father, where do you suppose Mr. 
Parsons is ? lie came with me to the foot- 
bridge.” 

‘‘ I never thought of him,” was the reply. 
“ I never thought of anybody but my boy. I 
will go and sec if I can find him.” 

No sooner, however, had he opened the 
door of his room, than the door opposite was 
opened, and Mrs. Steele’s good motherly face 
appeared. 

“ More company for you,” she said. ‘‘ Mr. 
Parsons has been waiting a good while.” 

‘‘ 1 hope you will excuse me,” said Mr. 
Melvin, turning to the gentleman who had 
been waiting. “ I have been so much en- 
gaged ” 

“ No need of an apology,” interrupted the 
visitor. ‘‘ 1 have been well entertained, and 


238 


BILL brock’s investment. 


I have no doubt that your time has been agree- 
ably occupied.” 

“ You may well say that, Mr. Parsons ; but 
I ought not to have forgotten you. I shall be 
glad to have you go into my room now. Phil 
is anxious about you. Please go and see him, 
while I speak with Mrs. Steele.” 

No sooner had Mr. Parsons left the room, 
than she remarked, So that’s your boy.” 

“ That’s my boy,” replied the father, a 
flush of pride mantling his cheek. 

_ “ And a nice looking boy he is,” was the 

response. “ I hope he’s going to stay with 
you a while.” 

“ I don’t know about that. He must go to 
school, and Mr. Parsons knows better about it 
than I do. But I guess they both of them 
would like some supper.” 

“ Strange I didn’t think of that before,” 
said Mrs. Steele. “ Pll have supper ready in 
a few minutes ; good as I can get in a hurry.” 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


239 


“ And they’ll both stay all night,” said Mr. 
Melvin. 

“ To be sure. I thought of that.” 

The supper was good. Mr. Parsons was 
persuaded to spend the night, and George 
Merrill was dispatched to the hotel, for his 
valise. 

In the morning Phil told Mrs. Steele, in 
answer to a question, that he had slept well, 
wdiile his father laughingly remarked that he 
watched. 

“ Watched for what ? ” asked his landlady, 
failing to understand his meaning. 

“ I guess I watched with, instead of/or,” he 
replied, as he looked down upon the boy, wlio 
sat next him at the table. 

For almost the first time since he came to 
The Furnaces, Mr. Melvin indulged himself in 
a holiday, nearly every moment of which was 
spent with his son. 

‘‘I am ready to resign my charge at any 


240 


BILL brock’s investment. 


time,” said William Parsons, when speaking 
of Phil, who looked from one to the other, as 
though half doubting to which he belonged. 
“ I don’t mean that I am tired of Phil. He 
has never given me any trouble ; but you have 
a natural claim upon him.” 

“ No, Mr. Parsons, I don’t wish to assert 
my claim,” was the reply. “ I love Phil, and 
am willing to work for him ; but I don’t know 
as well as you do what he needs. He ain’t 
like me, and I’m glad of it. I want him to be 
the best man, and the best scholar he can be. 
You can help him, and I can pay you for what 
you do. I shall like that way best, if you are 
willing to keep him. I’m sure Phil would 
rather stay with you.” 

The boy rested both hands upon his father’s 
broad shoulders, but made no reply. “ The 
sight of your face would do me good, every 
day,” continued Mr. Melvin, addressing him. 
“ But I must consider your best intereM. 


BILL brock’s investment. 241 

This is no place for you. I can work here 
now, with good courage, and you will try not 
to make trouble for Mr. Parsons.” 

I will do the best I can ; but I shall want 
to see you, father.” 

Shall you, my boy ? Thank God for that. 
You shall come to see me, some time. I will 
send you money, and you shall come.” 

During the day, Fred Bangs made the ac- 
quaintance of Phil Melvin, and gave an 
enthusiastic description of his rescue from 
drowning, saying, in conclusion, “ I should 
rather be your father’s boy, than anybody’s 
except my own father’s. I hope I shall be as 
strong a man as he is. They all say he is the 
strongest man at The Furnaces, and I know 
he is the best one. Ain't you going to stay 
here now ? ” 

“ No, I am going back to school. Father 
says it is best ; but I am coming here to see 


him.” 


242 


BILL brock’s investment. 


It being decided that Phil was to remain 
under the care of Mr. Parsons, it seemed 
desirable that they should hasten their de- 
parture, in order that he might enter school 
at the opening of the term. Mr. Melvin ac- 
quiesced in this, and made more definite 
arrangements for the remittance of money for 
his son’s expenses. He made, also, a gener- 
ous allowance for pocket-money, which Phil 
was to spend at pleasure. “ You see I am 
going to trust you,” he said. ‘‘ I am sure you 
won’t disappoint me.” 

The visit was short, yet long enough to ac- 
complish the purpose for which it had been 
made. A burden was lifted from two hearts. 

Phil Melvin was henceforth secure in the 
love and care of one who was strong to do, 
and counted himself most happy to bestow; 
while the father returned to his work, with a 
strange feeling of exultation. For one wrong 
done he was forgiven ; and when he opened 
his Bible,- a new light shone upon its pages. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


243 


Was it possible that the whole dark record 
of his life could be blotted out by the blood of 
Christ? 

His heart overflowed with love to God and 
man. Nothing seemed hard to him. He saw 
the face of his wife, wreathed with happy 
smiles. 

He loveth most to whom most is forgiven. 


CHAPTER YI. 

Living for others, not for himself, 

Hoarding up treasures, careless of pelf. 
Growing in goodness, earnest in prayer, 
Trusting God’s mercy, safe in his care. 

Thus life was redeemed from sin and shame, 
And Heaven secured, through Jesus’ name. 


)PE you don’t expect me to stay here 
with a boy storming round the house,” 
said Aunt Susan Blake. “ If you do, 
you’ll find yourself mistaken, Hugh 

Parsons. I can’t put up with boys no how. 

\ 

Never see one in my life, but made more 
trouble than he’s worth. Keep the floors 
tracked with mud, and dirty the house from 
one end to the other.” 

The young gentleman to whom this was ad- 
244 



BILL DROCK’S investment. 


245 


dressed, listened with an amused smile, mak- 
ing no attempt to answer until the speaker 
had concluded. Then he said, quietly, “ Per- 
haps you had better wait till you have seen 
tliis boy. You may find him a great help. I 
told you he was a model of excellence.” 

‘‘ You told me he was a boy,” was the re- 
sponse. Boys are pretty much all alike.” 

“ Well, Aunt Susan, there must be boys 
ill the world, if there are to be men ; and I 
don’t believe even you, smart as you are, 
could keep this farm going, without some man 
on the premises.” 

“ I don’t want to keep the farm going. It’s 
enough to keep the house going, and cook for 
so many men, without having a boy round.” 

‘‘ Perhaps so : but Phil is coming to- 
morrow.” And saying this, Hugh Parsons 
went to his library, where he was sure of 
being undisturbed. 

He was glad that Phil was coming. It 


246 


BILL brock’s investment. 


would give more variety of life at the farm, 
and it would be pleasant to note the changes 
which time had wrought in him. But Aunt 
Susan regarded this proposed addition to the 
family as a great misfortune ; and if another 
home had offered, she would have left at 
once. 

Had Mrs. Myers heard tliis woman talk, she 
would have said that such a person was un- 
worthy to live in the same liouse wdth one so 
kind and gentle as this boy, whom she loved 
almost, as though he were her own. It was a 
sad day for her, when she parted from him, 
knowing that he would never return as he 
went. 

“ Good bye, mother,” he said, kissing her 
again and again. 

Mr. Myers held his hand, looking down into 
the clear, hazel eyes, and saying earnestly, 
“ If you evg: need a friend, come to me, as 
you would to a father.” 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


247 


“ Yes, sir, and I thank you for all ” 

“ Not a word of that, my boy. It is no 
time to talk of that.” 

Then the children clung to him, begging 
him to stay, and weeping in anticipation of 
their loneliness. All this was hard for Piiil. 
His attachments were strong, and he had 
reason to love every member of the family. 

For some time after commencing his jour- 
ney, he had no thought for his fellow pas- 
sengers, or the country through which he 
was travelling. Gradually, however, the feel- 
ing of oppressive sadness wore away, and he 
began to look forward to the future. Mr. 
Parsons, who had made no effort to rouse him 
from silence, yet welcomed his first appear- 
ance of cheerfulness, and pointed out whatever 
was likely to interest him. 

Before he reached his destination, he had 
quite conquered all desire to indulge in 
gloomy revery. He was not going where all 


248 


BILL brock’s investment. 


were strangers. Hugh had written that a 
room was ready for him at the farm. He 
was not dependent, either. He said this over 
to himself, with a feeling of gladness which 
made him strong for any effort. 

“ Write to me for anything you want,” said 
his father, when they parted. “ Don’t deny 
yourself anything that will make you happier. 
I want you to dress as well, and have as much 
as any boy in school.” 

This would have made some boys extrav- 
agant ; but it could have no such effect upon 
Phil, who had trained himself to habits of 
rigid economy. He was not likely to abuse 
his father’s confidence. 

‘‘ Why Mister Hugh ! ” lie exclaimed, as 
descending from the stage, the first face he 
looked upon, was that of his friend. 

‘‘ Plain Hugh, if you please,” was the 
laughing response. “ You are so tall, now, 
you can leave off the Mister. And you, 


BILL brock’s investment. 


249 


brother William, how are you ? ” he added, 
as the minister turned from some of his 
parishioners, who chanced to be passing at 
that time. 

Perfectly well, Hugh ; and I hope you are 
well, also.” 

“ Yes, brother, I am enjoying the same 
blessing, heartily ; and I’m glad to see you 
back again. I always feel like a drifting 
boat, when I’m away from you; and then 
again, I expected notliing but I should be 
obliged to preach, if you were gone another 
Sabbath.” 

By this time, good Deacon Baker and his 
wife came to the door to welcome the minis- 
ter, who boarded with them ; so there was no 
opportunity for a suitable reply to the above 
speech. 

“ And this is the boy I have heard called 
Phil Melvin,” said Mrs. Baker, extending a 
soft, warm hand to the stranger. 


250 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“Yes, mam, this is my boy,” responded 
William Parsons, while Phil, removing his 
hat, made a graceful bow, in acknowledge- 
ment of the introduction. 

Then the deacon must needs speak to him, 
looking sharply to see what manner of boy he 
was. 

“Now come right in, and have some sup- 
per,” said the motherly woman, who looked 
smilingly upon the group before her. 

“ But I had no intention of stopping to 
supper,” responded Hugh. “ Aunt Susan will 
be expecting us.” 

“ Let her expect,” said the deacoji, laugh- 
ing. “ She may as well be disappointed as 
my wife. Perhaps better. At any rate, sup- 
per is ready, and we have depended upon you 
to help eat it.” 

Aunt Susan Blake had made up her mind 
to begin with Phil as she could hold out. 
She was going to lay down the rules to him 


BILL brock’s investment. 


251 


plainly, at the outset of their acquaintance. 
So she prepared supper^ without making any 
addition to the ordinary fare ; indeed, Rachel 
Jones, a young girl who assisted herein the 
kitchen, thought the supper was plainer than 
usual, and ventured to remark it. 

“ You don’t suppose I’m going to get up 
any knick-knacks for that boy, do you ? ” re- 
torted the housekeeper. “ You won’t catch 
me doing that, I tell you. It’s bad enough to 
have him here, and I calculate to let him 
know his place.” 

Miss Susan Blake was very desirous that 
people should know their place, and keep it, 
as her assistant could testify. 

‘‘ I heard Mr. Parsons tell you that the boy 
don’t depend upon charity. His father sup- 
ports him, and pays his board. For my part, 
I’m glad he’s coming, and I mean to learn 
something from him.” 

Having said this, Rachel Jones made her 
escape to the dining-room. 


252 


BILL brock’s investment. 


When time for supper, the workmen came • 
in ; but the young master of the house failed 
to make his appearance. Just at night, he 
came driving up with Phil, took the boy’s 
trunk from the wagon, and carried it into the 
chamber adjoining his own. 

Rachel managed to be in the halhas tliey 
passed through, and was introduced to the 
new comer ; but Aunt Susan never stirred 
from her post. She had ‘‘ too much sense 
to run after a boy ; ” yet she was disappointed 
not to see him. 

Hugh Parsons went into the room where 
she was sitting, but did not mention Phil’s 
arrival. 

The next morning they met at breakfast, 
Phil coming in from the library, as though at 
home. The workmen pronounced him good 
looking. Before night, tliey all agreed that 
he was smart, this having been proved in the 
field. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


253 


Aunt Susan Blake observed that his hat 
was in its proper place, when not on his liead ; 
and his shoes were thoroughly cleaned after 
he had been in the field. During the whole 
day, she found no occasion for scolding, or 
laying down rules. Hugh Parsons, who had 
taken Phil into confidence, telling him the 
best course to pursue, heartily enjoyed her 
discomfiture. ‘‘ She’ll come to terms ; ” he 
said to himself, laughing at some observation 
he heard her make to Rachel. Phil neither 
upset her work-basket, nor slammed the 
doors. He didn’t even whistle ; but then, she 
was sure this wouldn't last long. 

It ain’t to be expected,” she said. “ He’ll 
show out before lie’s been here a week. I 
never knew a boy act so, and I ain’t to be 
cheated this time.” 

The third day after his arrival, the house- 
keeper was in her worst humor. Nothing 
went to suit her. The bread was burned, a 


254 


BILL brock’s investment. 


hen had stolen her nest, and come off with a 
large brood of chickens,; the yeast wouldn’t 
rise, and the clock stopped, so that everything 
was half an hour behind time. Poor Rachel 
received conflicting orders, until she was 
nearly crazed ; when, to crown all, the stove 
was upset. 

“ There, I might have expected that ! ” ex- 
claimed Aunt Susan. “ I told Hugh when he 
had the stove set on blocks', ’twould be down 
in less than a week, and it’s just as I said. 
(The stove had been set more than a year, 
and until now had stood firmly.) If anybody 
knows what's going to be done, I wish they’d 
tell me. There ain’t a man within quarter of 
a mile of the house, and that stove’s got to be 
righted, or there won’t be any supper here 
to-night.” 

Fortunately the stove was so tightly closed, 
that no fire could escape ; but the excited 
housekeeper, in snatching up the tea-kettle, 


BILL DBOCk’s investment. 


255 


poured some boiling water upon her foot. 
Vexed before, and now suffering from pain, 
she dropped the kettle, and but for E-achel’s 
presence of mind, might have been still more 
badly scalded. 

At this moment, Phil, who had been read- 
ing in the library, made his appearance, and 
understanding at once" what had happened, set 
about repairing the mischief. He turned his 
attention first to Miss Blake, asking if she 
would put her foot into cold water. 

“ I don’t know,” she answered, sharply. 
‘‘ I wish somebody would do something for 
me, without stopping to ask questions.” 

Phil wasted no more breath on that sub- 
ject, but brought a basin of water, into which 
the smarting foot was plunged. 

“Now you had better take off your stock- 
ing,” he said, and Rachel having recovered 
her wits, offered her assistance. 

The foot was not very badly scalded, not so 


256 


BILL brock’s investment. 


badly as the sufferer had thought. She 
ordered some raw potatoes and a knife to he 
brought, and Rachel sprang to bring them, 
when Phil said, “ Tell me where to find them, 
while you prepare a bandage. I can scrape 
potatoes, if I can’t do anything else,” he re- 
marked with a smile, which went far towards 
putting matters in a more cheerful light. 

He proved his ability to scrape potatoes, 
having it ready in the shortest possible time, 
nnd Aunt Susan was somewhat mollified. 
But there was the stove “ upset,” and smoke 
was beginning to issue from the disjointed 
pipe. 

“ Oh dear ! I don’t know what’s going to be 
done, unless one of you go to the field, and 
get somebody to set up that stove again. I 
shouldn’t wonder if it needed two to do it.” 

“ We will see about that,” was Phil’s quiet 
response. “ Perhaps it won’t be necessary to 
call any one,” lie added, after a short examin- 


BILL brock’s investment. 


237 


atioii of things. ‘‘Rachel, if you can.- help me 
a little, I think we can have it all right;” 
and she obeying his directions not to lift 
much, the stove was soon righted, and the 
pipe jointed, without any great exertion on 
her part. 

“ I declare, you’ve done that well,” ex- 
claimed Miss Blake. “ I shouldn’t believed 
any boy could do so well as that. Now 
Rachel, you mop up, and we can get supper 
in good season, after all. We never should 
done it alone, though, if I hadn’t got hurt. 
Won’t you hand me that potato, and I can 
scrape it myself. I won’t trouble you any 
more ; and I’m sure I’m much obliged to you 
for what you’ve done.” 

“You are very welcome,” replied Phil. 
“ My mother brought me up to help others ; 
and I am stronger than most boys of my age. 
Rachel will need some help about supper; 
and I would be very glad to lay the table, or 
do anything else that is necessary.” 


258 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ You . lay a table ! Did you ever set a 
table in your life ? ” 

“ Yes, mam, a great many times,” was the 
laughing answer. ‘‘ I can wash dishes, too.” 

All this time Aunt Susan was scraping 
potatoe diligently, more to hide her confusion 
than because there was any immediate need 
of it. “ Well, E-achel can tell you what to 
do,” she said at last. 

Just then William Parsons came into the 
kitchen, saying, “ I thought I would keep on, 
until I found some one. Aunt Susan, how do 
you do ? ” 

“Not very well, this afternoon,” she re- 
plied. “ We had bad luck with the stove, and 
I scalt my foot in the muss.” 

“ What happened to the stove ? It seems 
to be all right now.” 

“ Yes, your boy there fixed it up again.” 

“ Glad to hear that, Phil,” said his guar- 
dian, turning to him with a smile. “ I like to 
have you useful.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


259 


“ Yes, sir ; and I like to be useful.” 

“ I have known that, ever since I first saw 
you,’- was the response. “ I knew Aunt 
Susan would find it out in good time. She 
don’t like boys very well ; but there are ex- 
ceptions to all rules, and I expect you will get 
to be the best of friends.” 

“ There, that’s just the way. If I ever say 
anything, it always comes back to me when I 
don’t want to hear it. I wish I had never 
said a word about boys in my life.” 

“No harm done. Aunt Susan. Phil won’t 
lay up anything against you. I’ll go into the 
library now, and rest a while, till Hugh comes 
up. I wish to see him, and I think I’ll stop 
to supper.” 

“ You can stop, William, and we will do 
the best we can for you. I should be glad to 
get something nice, if it wasn’t for my foo't.” 

“ Don’t trouble yourself,” said Mr. Parsons, 
taking his ward’s hand, and going to the li- 


2u0 BILL DBOCK’S investment. 

brary, where they had a pleasant chat about 
liome, school, and various other matters. 

‘‘ I suppose you have written to your 
father.’’ 

‘‘Yes, sir,” answered the boy. “ I wrote 
him a long letter yesterday. Oh, how good 
it seems to have a father I I didn’t know 
what it was until now. I wrote him such a 
long letter, I don’t know but he’ll get tired 
before he finishes reading it.” 

“ You might ask him.” 

“ Yes, sir, I did ; and I told him if it was 
too long, I would write him a shorter one 
next time. But I promised to help Rachel get 
supper. Will you excuse me ? ” 

“ Certainly. Go and do all you can.” 

By this time. Aunt Susan, who was deter- 
mined that she would never put poor bread 
before the minister, had commenced making 
some biscuits, which would be “ good enough 
for anybody.” She still suffered with her 


BILL DEOCK’S investment. 


261 


foot, but she bore it resolutely. Phil went out 
at the right time, and rendered efficient aid, 
so that supper was ready in season. 

After this there was some laughing over the 
success of Hugh’s plan for giving his young 
friend a position in the family, and then the 
matter dropped. 

School commenced the following day, and 
at an early hour Phil Melvin presented him- 
self before the Principal for examination. It 
is hardly necessary to say this was satisfacto- 
ry; and he was assigned to a class whose 
members were much older than himself. 
Here he could do his best, and he resolved 
that this best should be such as would gratify 
his most exacting friends. 

He made his mark at once. His recitations 
were remarkable for their correctness, while 
out of study hours, he was a genial, merry 
companion. There would have been much cu- 
riosity in regard to him, had not Mr. Parsons 


262 


BILL brock’s investment. 


said, with no appearance of mystery, that he 
was taking charge of the boy’s education to 
oblige his father. 

School days have been so universally en- 
joyed, and so graphically described, that I am 
sure my readers will pardon me if I pass 
rapidly over those of our hero. Yet some in- 
cidents affecting him must not be unnoticed. 

The autumn after he entered the academy, 
his guardian was married, and Phil found a 
new friend in the young wife who presided 
so gracefully over the minister’s home. From 
his generous allowance of pocket-money, he 
had reserved a sum to be appropriated at tliis 
time, so that he was able to make a suitable 
present to the newly wedded pair; and his 
father, too, improved this opportunity for giv- 
ing some substantial proofs of gratitude. 

Aunt Susan was again in trouble, she fear- 
ing that Phil would stop in the village with 
William, rather than walk out to the farm ev- 


BILL brock’s investment. 


263 


ery day. ‘‘ I declare I shall give up if he 
does,” she said to Hugh Parsons. ‘‘ It seems 
as though the whole family had gone when he 
is. I never see such a boy. He’s as good as 
a minister, and a good deal more sensible in 
some things.” 

Good and happy ! These two adjectives de- 
scribed Phil ; for in all the school there waS“ 
not a happier boy than he. He had so many 
friends, and best of all, such a father, who 
was never tired of reading the longest letters, 
or doing the hardest work. 

‘‘ I am thinking of visiting you before win- 
ter,” he wrote, and the letter containing tins 
bit of intelligence was hardly received, when 
Mr. Melvin appeared. He was a welcome vis- 
itor, carrying in his face and manners creden- 
tials which ensured him the respect of all 
with whom he came in contact. Dividing his 
time between village and farm, a week passed 
quickly and pleasantly. Praises of his son 


2G4 


BILL brock’s investment. 


from teacher and guardian, gave him intense 
satisfaction, and he was happier than he had 
ever been before in his whole life. 

‘‘ I used to curse luck for all my trouble,” 
he one day said to Mr. Parsons, “ but I should 
never think of attributing my prosperity to 
luck. I see now that there has been a kind 
providence in it all.” 

“ Then you can but thank God for it.” 

“ Yes, I do thank God,” was the reverent 
reply. “ Since that night after Phil came to 
see me, in the spring, I have done this, and 
every day I am more thankful. If I was ever 
so poor and destitute, I think I could be happy 
when I think of how mucli Christ has done 
for me, and I deserve nothing.” 

“ Then you are a Christian,” responded the 
young clergyman. 

‘‘ I try to be, though it seems too much for 
one like me to be called by that name. I try 
to do my duty, and I believe God will give me 


BILL brock’s investment. 


265 


strength to persevere. Oh, when I look back, 
and see how recklessly I went on towards 
ruin, I wish I could warn every young man in 
the land against intemperance. I should 
rather see Phil in his grave, than see him do 
as I have done. Sometimes I think of this till 
it haunts me, so I can’t rest.” 

“ You need never had any fear for Phil, in 
that respect,” said his guardian. He is very 
firm where principle is concerned, and no one 
would think of urging him when lie had once 
repulsed. He was trained by a Christian 
mother, and is actuated by the highest mo- 
tives.” 

“ Yes, he had a Christian mother. Thank 
God for that ! ” exclaimed the father, with 
much emotion. Whatever there is about 
him that’s good, he owes to somebody besides 
me. It hurts me when I think of this. But 
I do believe God has forgiven me,” added Mr. 
Melvin, more cheerfully ; ‘‘ and I pray that 
everything may -work for Phil’s good.” 


266 BILL brock’s investment. 

“ I don’t doubt that it has,” replied Mr. 
Parsons. He has more friends than almost 
anj boy of his age.” 

“ And not a relative has he seen since his 
mother died, except myself. I think some- 
times, I shall try to hunt up my sister. It 
wouldn’t be strange if she has had a hard 
time. Children that are given away as she 
was, don’t generally fare very well. I ought 
to have done something for her ; but I almost 
forgot I had a sister, till lately, and now I 
don’t know where to look for her.” 

“ You might probably trace her, by taking 
sufficient trouble.” 

‘‘ Yes, I might, and I might do her some 
good, too. When I can do good to anybody, 
I think it makes up a little for the wrong I’ve 
done. I don’t mean it atones,” he hastened 
to say, “ but it helps make my life good for 
something.” . 

“ Our lives are all good for something, if 


we will make them so.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


267 


“ I know it. Everybody can do some good, 
and I ought to do a great deal. • There’s one 
man I want to see more than anybody else in 
the world, since I’ve seen Phil this time.” 

“ And who may that be ? ” asked Mr. Par- 
sons, smiling at the abrupt turn in the conver- 
sation. 

Bill Brock. I want to thank him for all 
he has. done for my boy ; and I want to pay 
him, too.” 

“ Don’t try to do that, Mr. Melvin,” was 
the reply. “ You would deprive him of a 
great deal of happiness, if you should offer to 
refund the money he has spent for our boy, as 
he calls him. I think he was greatly disap- 
pointed when I wrote to him that you had 
resumed the support of Phil, so there was no 
more need of his doing anything.” 

“ How much did he spend for our boy ? ” 
asked Mr. Melvin. 

“ I don’t know exactly. Phil can tell you. 


268 


BILL brock’s investment. 


He lias kept an exact account. It was only a 
few dollars ; but Bill calls it his investment, 
and the best one be ever made, if things turn 
out as he expects. He will have nearly as 
much pride in Phil’s success, as you or I can 
have.” 

After this, the same subject was discussed 
between father and son ; the latter exhibiting 
a letter he had recently received from his 
black friend. “ It won’t do to send him 
money now,” said Phil. ‘‘ I know just how 
much I owe him, interest and all.” 

‘‘ How much is it ? ” asked his father ; and 
the little account book was produced, in which 
every cent was duly accredited. “ Suppose I 
invest that amount of money for him, where 
it will bring good interest. Then you can 
pay him any time when you please. How 
should you like that ? ” 

“ I should like it very much,” was the 
reply. “ But in that case, you will pay him, 
not I. The money will be yours.” 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


269 


A grave shake of the head, and a single 
word of expostulation answered this remark, 
so that Phil was never heard to make another 
of similar import. 

This visit over, there was little to mark the 
life of Phil Melvin, beyond the ordinary 
routine of study and exercise. Uis home was 
still at the farm, where Aunt Susan welcomed 
him every evening, unless a storm, or some 
particular engagement detained him in the 
village. Then the house was “ so lonesome,’’ 
she was most crazy.” 

“ What are you going to do, when he goes 
away for the long vacation ? ” asked Rachel, 
one evening, when the rain came down in tor- 
rents, and there was no boy in the house. 

‘‘I don’t know,” was the sharp reply. “I 
don’t see any need of talking about that, now. 
It will be bad enough, when it comes.” 

It came, as all anticipated days will come, 
for good or evil, and Phil bounded home to 


270 


BILL brock’s investment. 


place liis books upon the shelf, and pack his 
trunk for travelling. He was going alone, this 
time, and with a long journey in prospect, 
would need all his wits about him, as Hugh 
Parsons said. 

“ Yes, sir,” he answered, ‘‘ I’ll try to have 
them within call.” 

Quite a party of scholars started with him, 
but before night, he was left with only 
strangers ; and from that time, until he 
reached The Furnaces, he saw no familiar 
face. Mr. Melvin was expecting his son, and 
stood at the door of the little cottage to wel- 
come him. 

‘‘ Growing still,” he said, after their first 
greetings were exchanged. 

“Yes, sir,” was the smiling reply. “Peo- 
ple say I shall be as large as my father, if I 
keep on.” 

“ I hope you will, my boy, and as strong. 
But be sure you use your strength to good 
purpose. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


271 


Mrs. Steele had supper in readiness. She 
anticipated this visit as though the guest was 
to bd one of her own family, and she said this 
in such a kind, motherly way, as gave Phil 
great pleasure. 

“ Do you know just how much your ex- 
penses have been, for the last year?” asked 
Mr. Melvin, when alone with his son. 

“ Yes, sir ; I have kept account of every 
cent I have spent. Would you like to 
know ? ” ♦ 

“ Yes, I should.” 

The sum was much less than many boys 
would have expended, as Phil had no ex- 
travagant habits. He dressed well, bore his 
full part in all school expenses, and provided 
himself with everything necessary for a stu- 
dent ; but he neither smoked, nor indulged in 
late suppers. 

“ Mr. Parsons has put the rest of the 
money you sent into the savings bank,” said 
the boy. 


272 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ That’s right. That would be something 
to depend upon, if I should be t^keii away. 
But I’ve found somebody else I ought t(5 do 

for. At least, I’ve heard about her; your 

0 

aunt, my sister.” 

“Why, father, I didn’t know you had a 
sister ! ” 

“ I almost forgot it myself. She was given 
away, when I was small, and I haven’t seen 
her since. The family she lived with moved 
away. I’ve jfist found out where she lives, 
and she is very poor. She has been married, 
and her husband is dead. A^good thing for 
her that he is dead, too. He was a drunkard ; 
and a drunken husband is a curse to any 
woman. She has two little girls, one six and 
the other four years old, and she does all 
kinds of work to support them.” 

“ Can’t you help her ? ” now asked Phil, his 
voice expressing the utmost sympathy. 

“ Yes, I can ; but I didn’t know how you 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


273 


would feel about it. The money I spend for 
them would be yours. You won’t have so 
much if I help them.” 

“ I don’t care for that, father. Did you 
think I would ? Why, I should rather work, 
and have you help them.” 

“ I’m glad you feel so. But there’s no 
need of your working. I can earn enough to 
take care of you all. Your aunt lives not 
many miles from Mr. Myers ; and I suppose 
you want to go there before school begins 
again.” 

“ Yes, sir ; and now you can go with me 
and see Aunt — What is her name ? ” 

‘‘ Eliza. Her name is Eliza Brown. I had 
thought of your plan ; and the sooner it is 
carried out, the better. If you are ready, we 
can start to-morrow morning, as well as any 
time.” 

Of course Phil was ready. He had heard 
often from Mr. Myers’s family, and written 


274 


BILL brock’s investment. 


them long letters ; but this was not like seeing 
their faces. 

Mr. Melvin had a long talk with Mrs. 
Steele that evening, called upon Mr. Bangs, to 
say that he should be absent for a few days, 
packed what was necessary, and the next 
morning, started in search of a sister, whom 
he had never seen since she was a wee, tod- 
dling thing. 

Phil reached his destination first, and the 
father had an opportunity to witness the wel- 
come he received. There was only time for a 
hasty introduction," and an equally hasty invi- 
tation to come there on his return, when the 
stage went on. 

It was^late in the afternoon when Mr. Mel- 
vin accomplished his journey, and standing at 
the bar of the hotel, asked if any one could 
tell him where Mrs. Eliza Brown lived. 

Tlie bar-tender looked at him curiously, 
taking a survey of his person and dress, as he 


BILL brock’s investment. 


275 


said, ‘‘ There’s a woman by the name of 
Brown lives about half a mile from here, but 
I guess she ain’t the one you mean. I don’t 
know what her name is. Her husband died a 
year or two ago.” 

“ And his name ? ” suggested the stranger. 

“Was William,” said the young man. 
“ Everybody always called him Bill.” 

“ His widow is the one I wish to see,” re- 
marked Mr. Melvin. 

“ Well, I can tell you where she lives. 
Keep along up the road, till you come to a 
guide post on the right hand side. Turn off 
there, and go on a piece. Then turn to the 
left. It ain’t very far to the house. It’s 
small, and there’s an old buttonwood tree in 
front of it. That’s where Bill Brown’s widow 
lives.” 

Thanking the bar-tender for this informa- 
tion, Mr. Melvin made his way through a 
group of men, who seemed to have no busi- 


276 


BILL brock’s investment. 


ness beyond watching him. He followed the 
directions given, and found the old button- 
wood, standing like a sentinel to guard the 
wretched -dwelling. Two children sprang up 
from their play, and he noticed that their 
faces and well patched garments were clean, 
and as they entered the house, he caught a 
glimpse of a slight, pale faced woman. . 

A rap brought this woman to the door. 
‘‘ Does Mrs. Eliza Brown live here ? ” asked 
Mr.- Melvin. 

“ That is my name,” she answered. 

“ Then I am your brother. Do you remem- 
ber me ? ” 

‘‘No, sir. They told me I had a brother, 
but 1 don’t remember anything about you. 
Won’t you come in ? It’s a poor place ; but 
it’s my home, and the best I can provide.” 

Mr. Melvin had too much good sense to 
expect that his sister would welcome him 
with affection. If she had heard of him, it 


BILL brock’s investment. 


277 


could have been nothing good ; yet it must be 
confessed that a different reception wbuld have 
pleased him. As he always entered at once 
upon the business in hand, he did so now. 

‘‘ I have been trying for several months, to 
find where you were. I heard you were a 
widow, in needy circumstances, and 1 have 
come to help you.” 

Help me ! ” she murmured, her eyes fill- 
ing with tears. ‘‘ I didn’t know there was 
anybody in the world, to help me ; and my life 
has been very hard. If it wasn’t for them 
children, I shouldn’t try to live.” 

Don’t cry, mama, now,” said the youngest 
child, coming up to her. “Nellie and I are 
good.” 

“ Nellie ! ” repeated Mr. Melvin, “ that was 
the name of my baby.” 

“ Then you are married.” 

“ I have been married ; but my wife is dead ; 
and I have only one child living ; a boy four- 
teen years old.” 


278 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


“ What is his name ? ” asked the poor 
woman, with a slight manifestation of interest. 

“ Philip. He was named for me, but he 
isn’t like me. I’m glad to say that, though 
lately I try to do as well as I can.” 

‘‘ You’ve been different from what you are 
now. I heard from you, when grandmother 
Washburn was alive. She told me.” 

“ And, of course, she didn’t tell you any- 
thing good, if she told the truth about me. 
I^^been a hard drunkard.” 

“ Then you were poor,” responded Mrs. 
Brown. 

“ Yes, poor enough,” was the reply. If a 
man wants to be poor, let liim drink liquor ; 
and in ninety cases out of a hundred, he’ll 
spend every cent he earns. But I didn’t come 
here to talk about that,” resumed Mr. Melvin, 
after a short pause, during which he glanced 
hastily around, to see what this poor home 
contained. One thing gave liim pleasure. It 


BILL DBOCK’S investment. 


279 


was scrupulously clean ; floor, ceiling, and 
scanty ‘furniture. “ I want you to tell me how 
you are situated. I am able and willing to 
help you.” 

“ I work hard, and fare hard,” answered 
his sister, controlling herself, with an eflort. 
“ My husband didn’t leave me- anything, and 
I’ve had to do the best I could. But it don’t 
seem as though you were my brother, come to 
help me. It’s too good to be true. When I 
was young, and used to see other girls with 
their brothers, I thought about you a good 
deal ; but since then I’ve had other things to 
think of. I buried my three oldest children.” 

Mr. Melvin now addressed himself to his 
little nieces, who had regarded him with a 
mixture of fear and curiosity. It required but 
a short time to win their confidence, and they 
were soon seated in his lap. This sight 
touched their motlier’s heart, and she ex- 
pressed a sense of her brother’s kindness. 


280 


BILL DBOCK’S investment. 


“ It was very good in you to think of me/’ 
she said. 

“ I don’t know about that,” was the reply. 
“ It seems to me very natural, and very 
strange that I didn’t think of you before. I 
hope we shall be good friends in future. We 
ought to be. We had the same mother. If 
she had lived, we should both been different.”. 

“ Yes, perhaps we should. I’ve wanted to 
live, so my children could have a mother.” 

How would you like to live with me, and 
be my little girls ? ” asked the uncle, looking 
into the fair, childish faces upturned to his. 

“ I shouldn’t like to leave mamma,” quickly 
replied one. 

“ But suppose we take her along, too. Do 
you suppose she would go V ” 

I don’t know. Please you ask her, and 
see. Wouldn’t she have to work there ? ” 

“ Not so hard as she does now. I guess 
we must talk to her about it.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


281 


Up to tins time, Mrs. Brown had quite for- 
gotten that hospitality demanded she should 
offer some refreshment to her guest ; but now 
it suddenly occurred to her, and she com- 
menced at once preparing supper. ‘‘ I haven’t 
much to give you, except a cup of tea, with 
bread and butter,” she said, apologizing for her 
scanty fare. ‘‘ I wish I had more. You 
should be welcome to the best, if ’twas ever so 
good,” 

“ Then I’ll take the will for the deed,” re- 
plied her brother. “ I’ve eaten a good many 
poorer suppers than this, when I furnished 
them myself.” 

At the table, over a cup of tea, Mrs. Brown’s 
reserve vanished, and she spoke frankly of her 
situation. 

Well, sister, I came here to take you and 
your children to live with me, if you will go,” 
said Mr. Melvin, when she had concluded her 
story. 


282 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ I have been boarding for four years with 
a good woman, who thinks she is getting too 
old to take boarders any longer. There is 
room enough in the house for us all, if she 
keeps three rooms for herself. That will make 
us pretty near neighbors : but we can get 
along, if we keep good natured.” 

Mr. Melvin had heard such a report of his 
sister, and was so favorably impressed with 
her appearance, that he was ready to make 
this proposition without further delay, and I 
need hardly say that it was accepted with 
gratitude. Before time for retiring; he knew 
precisely how matters stood, and governed 
himself accordingly. Only a small part of 
her furniture was of sufficient value to be 
moved. The remainder was bestowed upon 
one poorer than herself, and thus two hearts 
were gladdened. There was no reason why 
tlie moving should be postponed, and in less 
than a week Mrs. Brown said good-bye to her 
old friends and neighbors. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


283 


Phil Melvin had been apprised of this, and 
met his father at the village hotel, where “ the 
stage stopped to change horses.” There he 
was introduced to his aunt and cousin, who 
had heard so much of him, that they felt 
already acquainted. 

“ I want you to go, too,” said Nellie. 

“ I am coming,” was the reply. 

“ In two weeks, at the iingest, Phil,” said 
Mr. Melvin. “ I can’t spare you longer than » 
that.” 

“ Yes, sir, I will be there,” and Mr. Myers’ 
family, dearly as they loved this boy, were 
obliged to yield to the claims of his father. 

When Phil returned to Mrs. Steele’s, there 
was a general rejoicing. Mr. Melvin had 
once more a family about him, and devoted 
himself to their comfort. His nieces ran to 
meet him, when he came towards the house, 
clapping their hands as he lifted them in his 
strong arms. Mrs. Brown had commenced 


284 


BILL brock’s investment. 


housekeeping in a small way, although de- 
pendent upon her kind neighbor for most of 
her conveniences. 

“ Now, father, you must have that furniture 
from Mr. Wells,” said Phil. You need it.” 

“ But that belongs to you,” was the reply. 
“ I have nothing to do with that.” 

“ Then let me have it here, will you ? It 
would seem mor^ike home to see what was 
mother’s.” 

“ Certainly. I will send for it, if you want 
me to,” and in compliance with Mr. Melvin’s 
request, Mr. Wells forwarded it at an early 
day. 

Before vacation was over, housekeeping 
was fairly established. Some repairs were 
made upon the cottage, and within there was 
a bountiful supply of all things necessary for 
comfort. Mrs. Steele had decided that two 
rooms would be sufficient for her, so long as 
she had “ such accommodating people to deal 
with.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


285 


“I suppose I could afford a better house 
than this,” said Mr. Melvin to his son. “ But 
I am detetmined to see you well through col- 
lege, before I think-of luxuries. Then Mary 
and Nellie must be educated. So I shall be 
economical, for the present.” 

“ Well, don’t work too hard, father,” was 
the kind response. 

“ No danger of that, my boy. Why, just 
look at me. I am only forty-three years old, 
and can do more work now, than I could ten 
years ago. It’s a pleasure for me to work. 
You just study, and not trouble yourself about 
work or money. I’ll take care of them. 
That part belongs to me. I wish it was best 
for you to stay with me ; but I know it isn’t.” 

“ You won’t Fe lonely, now you have aunt 
and the children.” 

“ Not so lonely as I have bean ; but I shall 
miss you. You must write often, and long 
letters, too.” 


286 


BILL brock’s investment. 


These long letters never failed to appear 
when expected, and were prized nearly as 
much as the presence of the writer would have 
been. The months which had seemed so long 
in anticipation, passed quickly for all, and 
Phil Melvin was again at home, well, happy, 
and a brilliant scholar. 

“ No airs about him, though,” said one of 
the workmen, when speaking of him. “ He 
looks more like his father, the older he 
grows ; and if he don’t make a mark some- 
where, Pm mistaken.” 

Mr. Bangs held him up as a model for his 
son, who was far behind Phil in point of 
scholarship. Fred couldn’t understand how 
anybody could like books so well, without 
being a regular bookworm. He calculated to 
have a good time as he went along. No use 
in studying e^^ry minute ; and for his part, 
be wouldn’t do it. 

“ You going to be fitted for college, next ' 


BILL brock’s investment. 


287 


year ? ” he asked one day, when talking with 

♦* 

his young companion. 

“ I expect to be,” was the reply. 

“ And then you will be only sixteen. You 
will be through college at twenty.” 

“ That is my intention.” 

“ And what next ? I suppose you will 
studya profession.” 

“ I should like to do so. But that will de- 
pend upon circumstances.” 

“ Then what is there to prevent ? Your 
father says you can do what you please ; and 
my father would give half he is worth, if I 
would dig away at books as you do.” 

“ Then why not do it? ” asked Phil. 

“ Because it’s stupid business, when there’s 
too much of it. I can learn fast enough, 
when I try; and if I keep up with my class, 
tliat will answer for me. I suppose you mean 
to come out number one.” 

“ I mean to learn all I can. There is no 
danger of knowing too much.” 


288 BILL brock’s investment. 

No, only make a good use of your knowl- 
edge, as the old folks say ; and you are sure 
to do that. You will be a great man in more 
ways than one.” 

Phil bowed and walked away as this was 
said. He had an engagement with his little 
cousins, whom he never disappointed ; and, 
moreover, the half reckless tone of his* com- 
panion but illy accorded with his feelings. 

Fred Bangs had been considered a good 
boy, when under his mother’s influence ; but 
away from her, his manners had changed. 
Mr. Melvin saw this change sooner than his 
parents, and endeavored to win the boy’s con- 
fidence. For some reason, however, Fred 
was less frank with his friend than formerly, 
and avoided all personal allusions. Phil, who 
met him constantly, suspected where lay the 
trouble, yet found no opportunity to re- 
monstrate, when remonstrance would have 
seemed wise. The time might come for this, 
yet was not now. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


289 


Meanwhile Phil Melvin was off on a pedes- 
trian tour, as he laughingly called a walk, 
which had for its goal Mr. Wells’ parsonage. 
His valise was sent on by stage, and he set 
out leisurely, intending to make some calls by 
the way. 

His father preferred that he should ride, in- 
sisting that there was no need of taking such 
a tramp. Better save your strength,” he 
said. 

“ But if I should enjoy it, father.” 

Then go along,” was the laughing re- ’ 
sponse. “ Get all the enjoyment you can, in 
a proper way.” 

“ Yes, sir ; ” and so the matter was settled. 

Bill Brock was going in from work one 
evening, when he saw a young man coming 
towards the house. “Wonder who that can 
be!” he said to himself. Just then the 
stranger lifted his hat, and Bill shouted, 

“ Halloo ! Here’s our boy, most grown up.” 


290 


BILL DSOCK’S investment. 


“ Yes, sir, grown up quite a ways,” was the 
reply. “ How do you do ? ” 

“ Hearty and happy. Glad to see you as 
ever I was to see anybody. How did you get 
here?” 

“ Walked, part of the way.” 

‘‘ How far have you come to-day ? ” 

‘‘ From The Furnaces.” 

“ Guess you are tired, then. Come in, and 
sit down.” 

“ I am not very tired. I have had several 
invitations to ride, so I walked less than I 
intended.” . 

“ Well, sit down, any way. It does me 
good to see your face ; and my old woman 
will be glad to see you, too. She thinks 
most as much of you as I do ;” and this last *| 
remark was emphasized by another hand 
shake. “ Forgot the old pine woods ? ” i 

“ No, indeed ; f shall never forget them. I 
intended to go thimigh them to-morrow, if I 
can find my way.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


291 


‘‘ Not to-morrow,” replied Bill. ‘‘ We must 
fish to-morrow. Here, old woman ! ” lie 
called. Come in here, and see who we’ve 
got for company.” 

“ The old woman,” was somewhat abashed, 
in the presence of such a gentleman, as in her 
estimation, Phil Melvin had grown to be ; yet 
she managed to say that she was glad to see 
him, and would get some supper, “ just as 
quick as she could.” Her visitor begged that 
she would make herself no trouble ; and sug- 
gested that a bowl of bread and milk would be 
sufficient. 

‘‘ Guess I can do better than that,” she an- 
swered, hurrying back to the kitchen, where 
she felt much more at home than she could 
with company. Bill followed her, and know- 
ing just what the boy liked, helped to prepare 
it. 

After full justice was done to this, supper, 
Phil Melvin talked, while his host listened, 
only asking an occasional question. 


292 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ There’s a good deal of difference between 
things now and five years ago,” he said at last 
by way of comment. “ The Lord has pros- 
pered you, and I’m glad of it. You don’t look 
much as you did the first time I see you. 
Your father’s a good man, too. I always in- 
quire about him, every chance I have. It 
don’t seem as though it could all be true.” 

“ I know it seems too good to be true,” 
responded the young man. “ God has brought 
good out of evil. I shall never forget what my 
feelings were when I lay down in the pine 
woods, hungry and tired. The world looked 
very dark to me then. And you were my first 
friend. If the time ever coines, when I can 
repay you, I shall be grateful for the privi- 
lege.” 

‘‘ Don’t talk about that,” said Bill with a 
gesture of impatience. “ I haint done what I 
meant to.. Your father turning out so, upset 
my plans. But ’twas all for the best ; only I 


BILL brock’s investment. 293 

should like to feel that I was doing some good 
in the world.” 

One day was devoted to fishing and eating, 
as Phil - afterwards said, and then his black 
friend accompanied him through the pine 
woods, seeing him safely on the way to his old 
home. 

Here he was quite a hero, receiving so 
much praise and attention, that it somewhat 
troubled him. Yet thankful for all kindness, 
he only sought to make himself more worthy. 

His mother’s prayers were answered. She 
had prayed that he might be a Christian ; and 
standing by her grass-grown grave, he conse- 
crated his life to the service of that God, 
whom she had taught him to love and 


reverence. 



CHAPTER YII. 


Onward, upward, no delay, 

Never tiring on the way, 

Never resting on the plain. 

Thus the summit one shall gain. 

And looking back, in triumph sing. 

All praise, all glory to our King. 

OMING out number one. This was 
what Phil Melvin intended to do, and 
what all who watched his course in 
college expected he would do. Yet it 
was not mere ambition to be first, which 
prompted his efforts. He had resolved to do 
his best, let others do what they might. Few 
traces could be seen in him of the boy who 
had wandered out into the world eight years 



294 


BILL brock’s investment. 295 ■ 

before, doubting, fearing, and oppressed with 
a vague sense of loneliness and isolation. 

Between his father and himself, there had 
grown up an attachment which was a marvel 
in its way ; deep, tender, and confiding. If 
aught could make amends for the cruel harsh- 
ness which had embittered his childhood, it 
would certainly be done ; and it was this very 
seeking to make reparation, which gave to 
every act of his father a peculiar tenderness. 

What others might give to their sons 
grudgingly, he gave from the abundance of 
his great love, with a joyous heart. Every 
advance of his son seemed to him like a 
victory which he had himself helped to win. 
Not expiating, not atoning. Oh, no ! He 
never dreamed of doing this. There was no 
offsetting the good he had accomplished over 
against the evil he had wrought ; yet it was 
an intense satisfaction to feel that his whole 
life was not wasted. 


296 


BILL brock’s investment. 


There, too, were the dear ones at home; 
the children, who called him uncle, loved him 
as a father ; and the sister, to whose face his 
kindness had brought back something of the 
freshness of youth. People forgot to talk of 
the time when he had been a drunkard : and 
there was no longer need of its remembrance. 

Phil shrunk from all allusion to old days. 
He had ceased looking to Mr. Parsons as his 
guardian, although still counting him next to 
his father, his dearest earthly friend. The 
\dllagers, among whom he had spent three 
years, were proud of their minister’s boy, and 
still retained their interest in him, even now, 
when at the parsonage there was a wee bit 
baby boy, who claimed much of care and 
attention. 

At the farm changes had taken place. 
Aunt Susan had resigned her position, in 
favor of one younger and fairer, who pre- 
sided at the table, dispensing tea and smiles 
right pleasantly. 


BILL drock’s investment. 297 

Mell Parsons, as her husband called lier, 
had not expected to be a farmer’s wife ; but 
wherever Hugh was, there she could go and 
be happy, though his hands ivere harder, and 
his cheeks browner, than when an ambitious 
student, he had told lier of his hopes and 
plans. She had done mucli to reconcile him 
to the forced abandonment of these plans, and 
now made his home so happy, that he was 
more than content. 

He charged Phil to do enough for two, in 
college ; to see there was no vacancy in the 
list of scholars, because he had failed to write 
his own name among their number. And 
remember that half your vacations belongs to 
us,” he said, at parting. “ We have been too 
much together, to separate entirely now ; and 
then, again, we shall want to see how tall you 
are.” 

Mr. Melvin never thought money wasted 
which added to his son’s happiness ; so he 


298 


BILL brock’s investment. 


cheerfully furnished funds for travelling, and 
Phil spent part of his summer vacation with 
his friends, in Western New York. 

‘‘ When, where, and how do you expect to 
stop growing ? ” exclaimed Hugh Parsons, at 
first sight of Phil, after a year’s absence. 

‘‘ I expect to stop at six feet,” was the 
laughing reply. ‘‘ That is the height of my 
ambition. When I have attained that, I shall 
be satisfied.” 

“ Satisfied ! ” repeated the young farmer, 
‘‘ I didn’t know this was possible for you. 
You are always pressing upward and on- 
ward.” 

“ And who helped me to do this ? Who 
told me there could be no resting on the 
plains, no lagging in my steps, if, somewhere 
in the future, I would reach the mountain 
summit which lies nearest heaven ? ” 

“ Yes, Phil, I remember I used to talk in 
that strain ; and the words stir me, even now. 


BILL drock’s investment. 299 

as you repeat them,” said Hugh Parsons, 
with a half audible sigh. ‘‘ I don’t envy you ; 
but I do wish it had been my lot to keep pace 
with you. See to it, Phil, that you give fit- 
ting expression to your gratitude for all 
this strength, mental and physical. ’ JHe who 
wears a crown, should take care that not a - 
jewel is lost. I have seen so many crowns 
robbed of their jewels, that I sometimes fear 
for all. With health and strength, all things 
are possible to him that strives. Isn’t that a 
glorious truth ? ” 

“ Indeed it is, and the longer I live, the 
more I wonder that so many sell their birth- 
right for a mess of pottage. You may smile 
at that, brother Hugh, if you will,” added 
Phil. I know I am young ; but one year in 
college has made some revelations to me. 
Why will those who might be all that is noble 
and good, degrade and abuse themselves ? It 


is a wonder to me.” 


300 


BILL brock’s investment. 


‘‘ And I hope will remain so. It is a 
wonder to all right-minded people. The boys 
and young men of our country have much de- 
pending upon them'; and yet they waste their 
time.” 

“ They do worse than that. They spend 
their time in forming habits which will ruin 
them, soul and body; then talk of injuring 
their health by close application to study.” 

“ Charity, Phil ! There are not many like 
you.” 

“Perhaps not; thanks to those who fore- 
warned and so forearmed me. But what do 
you think of a young man who says, ‘ I know 
such a course is wrong, and I am a fool for 
pursuing it,’ yet still goes on in the same 
way ? ” 

“ I am obliged to think of such, often,” 
replied Hugh Parsons. “ There are plenty of 
them all about us. I know of two within 
half a mile. They are occasionally intox- 


BILL brock’s investment. 


801 


icated, although of course, they feel this to be 
wrong, and are deeply mortified in conse- 
quence. Yet they lack the resolution to give 
up, entirely, the use of liquor. Nothing but 
total abstinence will do for them ; and there 
is no safety for any one, except in that.” 

‘‘ I am safe there,” rejoined his companion. 
‘‘ I don’t know the taste of liquor or tobacco. 
My mother used to talk to me about them ; 
and I promised never to touch them.” 

It is well that you did. If every mother 
would bind her sons with such a promise, 
sure they would never forfeit it ; the jails and 
prisons of our land would soon be without an 
inmate.” 

Yes. Father says that rum drinking 
causes more crime and sorrow, than all other 
agents combined.” 

‘‘ And I believe it,” responded Hugh Par- 
sons. We need apostles of temperance, to 
go through the length and breadth of our 


302 


BILL BROCK'S INVESTMENT. 


land, preaching this sad truth, and calling 
upon all men, everywhere, to stay this tide of 
evil.” 

Another year, and Phil Melvin had learned 
still more of the sacrifices which are offered at 
the shrine of Bacchus. He saw many laying 
down health, strength, purity and manliness, 
only to be mocked with the hollow laugh, and 
sickening embrace of their idol. Yet thought- 
lessly and recklessly these sacrifices are made, 
as when in a great carnival, the choicest 
treasures are scattered, without thought for 
the future. 

“We can’t always stop to count the cost,” 
said one young man, when Phil asked him if 
it paid to indulge in wine drinking, and other 
kindred habits. 

“ Well, if you can’t stop always, I suppose 
you can, at least, stop once,'' was the answer. 

“ Yes, I suppose I could. But the fact is, I 
shouldn’t enjoy the reckoning ; and » dollars 


BILL brock’s investment. 


303 


and cents are of but little account, after all. 
What difference will a few hundred, more or 
less, make fifty years from now ? ” 

“ I was not thinking of dollars and cents,” 
said Phil. “ You are paying more than that, 
if I see correctly. You are paying, too, what 
is not your own.” 

“ What is not my own ! What do you 
mean, Melvin? My head is tolerably clear, 
just now, but I don’t see that.” 

“ I mean that you have friends, whose 
hopes and affection you are bartering.” 

“ How so ? ” 

‘‘ If they love you, they wish you to do your 
best, and ” 

“ Yes, I see,” exclaimed the young man. 
“ But when I am through college, and settled 
in the world, I shall have something else to 
do, beside sit with pipe and wine, till two 
o’clock in the morning. There’ll be work to 
do then. Don’t preach to me, Melvin,” he 


304 


BILL brock’s investment. 


added. “ I know all, just as well as you do. 
Better too; for Fve tried it. But I can’t 
change now. I really envy you your un- 
trammeled life ; but I can’t imitate you just 
yet. You are coming out ahead of us, and 
you deserve it. Most young men are very 
different from you.” 

It was useless to say more, and Phil 
walked away, as another student joined his 
companion. 

‘‘ What is it ? ” asked the new comer. 
“ You look as though some one had lectured 
you. It couldn’t be Melvin. That isn’t his 
way.” 

“ No, he didn’t lecture me. lie only asked 
a question ; but I know what he meant. He 
don’t believe in drinking wine, and making a 
fool of himself, as some of the rest of us do. 
Just look at him. Did you ever see a finer 
looking fellow ! He don’t know what it is to 
have a racking pain in his head, and a horrid 


BILL brock’s investment. 


305 


nausea in liis stomach, all because he guzzled 
wine and smoked, until he knew no more than 
a log. Bah ! It makes me sick to think of 
it, say nothing of the real experience I have 
passed through. I haven’t made a respectable 
recitation since that last supper, and yet my 
good mother thinks I am injuring myself by 
too close application to stud/. It’s a shame 
to deceive her, but it must be done.” 

Must be done! Why must it be done? 
Because the good mother’s heart would be 
overwhelmed with grief, did she know the 
truth. Pity it is, that so many add falsehood 
to their other sins, in the vain hope of con- 
cealing their recklessness. 

Phil Melvin had nothing to conceal. His 
life was open to the scrutiny of all; and 
the better it was known, the more he was 
respected. 

At tlie opening of his junior year, Fred 
Bangs entered, as Freshman, the same college 
with himself. Two years behind, for no 


306 


BILL brock’s investment. 


reason, except a want of application to study, 
which would have injured him far less, at 
the worst, than did the falsely called pleasure, 
in which he had indulged. 

His father knew this, his mother feared it, 
and to both he was a source of anxiety. Mr. 
Melvin, who had once saved him from drown- 
ing, sought now to save him from a more 
terrible death, and in the kindest manner 
remonstrated with him. He listened respect- 
fully. He couhi not do otherwise ; and yet 
he thought himself wiser, in some things, than 
this friend, who had learned, by experience, 
what madness it is to barter ail which man 
holds dear, for slavery and wretchedness. 

Fred Bangs never dreamed of being a 
drunkard. No! He despised a drunkard. 

But .he thought it manly to talk of killing 

% 

time, drowning care, and quickening thought, 
when each moment of time was precious, 
when he had no care to drown, and thought 
was but dulled with wine and tobacco. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


307 


“ So different from what I expected,” said 
his father. “ You will break my heart,” said 
his mother ; and their remonstrances seemed, 
for a while, to produce some effect. 

When he entered college, the friendship of 
Phil Melvin was of great advantage to him. 
It was something to be known as the friend 
of one so universally popular. But, unfortu- 
nately, two of his old associates were tliere, 
and they of the worst. They were by no 
means ready to give him up. He had been a 
jolly fellow, spending money freely, and it 
w^as worth while making an effort to retain 
him. 

At first, the novelty of his position, and a 
natural ambition kept him under restraint. 
He studied well, proving his ability, and mak- 
ing it certain that he could accomplish wliat- 
ever he attempted. For nearly an entire 
term, liis conduct was unexceptionable, and 
his parents flattered tlicmselves that he had 
thoroughly reformed. 


308 


BILL brock’s investment. 


Without intruding, Phil managed to wield 
a strong influence, and this being all upon the 
right side, it would have been difficult to 
resist. 

Perliaps he relaxed his vigilance, or Fred’s 
old companions, fearing they should lose their 
prize, became more in earnest. Certain it is, 
that in what was literally a dark hour, the 
young man was induced to join a party, whose 
purpose was neither profitable nor honorable. 
That it was an affair to be concealed, only 
gave it more zest ; and the prime movers had 
abundant reason for congratulation that their 
principal object was attained. 

Indeed, they accomplished more than they 
desired. Fred Bangs once with them, car- 
ried himself with a high hand, and became 
thoroughly intoxicated. More boisterous than 
his companions, he made himself more con- 
spicuous, and when, a few days after, the 
young gentlemen were arraigned before the 


BILL brock’s investment. 


309 


powers that be,” to answer for disorderly con- 
duct, he was most severely reprimanded. 

Mortified and vexed at what he considered 
the injustice of this, he was ready to throw off 
all restraint, and appear in the character of a 
fast yoyug man. Another expedition was 
planned, with still greater secrecy. But some 
one was on the alert, and again the partici- 
pators were brought to judgment. Sentence, 
however, was delayed. Investigations were to 
be made, and Fred feared he should be sent 
home in disgrace. 

For the last few days, he had purposely 
avoided Phil Melvin. Now he sought his 
friend, with the determination to acknowledge 
everything, and ask advice. 

Phil was seated in his well furnished room, 
wearing a handsome dressing-gown, which, 
with slippers to match, had been presented to 
him by Mrs. Hugh Parsons, and which liis 
college friends declared just suited his style. 


310 


BILL brock’s investment. 


Some one had said that a smoking-cap was 
needed, to complete the suit ; hut for this he 
had no need. He neither smoked himself, 
nor allowed any one to smoke in his room. 

Tliis was considered an odd whim of his, 
and so it might be. But he had a reason for 
this, which he would not have revealed to the 
most intimate of his college companions. 

He did not forget his mother. He remem- 
bered her with an affection which made her 
seem near to him, and everything pertaining 
to him was arranged as though she w^as to see 
and pass judgment upon it. If no other 
reason for this, the air which he breathed, 
even. in the privacy of his own room, must be 
pure ; and the habits in which he indulged 
must be such as she would approve. 

This fancy, if fancy it was, too sacred to be 
spoken, had been a most powerful influence to 
keep him from everything which would have 
marred the purity of his life. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


311 


He was not studying on the morning when 
Fred Bangs sought him. He had laid aside 
his book to think, think of the very person 
who appeared before him. 

“ Good morning. Glad to see you, Fred,” 
he said. “ Take a chair, and make yourself 
comfortable. I was just wondering where you 
were to be found.” 

“ I didn’t know but you were going to say 
you wondered where I had been the last 
fortnight.” 

‘‘No, not that. I might have wondered 
why you have not been here in all that time.” 

“ I know it, Phil. The fact is, I’ve been 
making a fool of myself, and it wouldn’t be 
strange if I should be sent home in disgrace.” 

“ Not so bad as that, I hope,” was the re- 
sponse. “ It would be a great trial to your 
father and mother.” 

“ Of course it would ; and I’m a great trial 
to them, any way,” said Fred Bangs, in a tone 


312 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


which expressed more than his words. “ I 
almost wish your father had let me drown. 
That would have been an end of me.” 

“ An end of you! ” repeated his companion. 
“ By no means. It would have been an end 
of your life on earth, but — ” 

“ Yes, Phil, I know what you are going to 
say. Mother talks like that, sometimes.” 

“ And you don’t enjoy it,” said Phil. 

“ No, I don't. It does well enough for a 
fellow like you ; but I am of a different 
stamp.” 

“ Yet the stamping has been done by your- 
self. At least, whatever there is, other than 
it should be. Nature left an impress of 
nobility.” ' ^ 

“ Don’t shame me by talking in that way, 
Phil. I used to have some pride in this me^ 
but it’s all gone ; and, to tell the truth, I 
came to you not for a sermon, but advice.” 

“ I have no wish to preach a sermon, Fred. 


BILL brock’s investment. 


313 


Remember that you put the words into my 
mouth, and I could hardly do less than speak 
them.” 

‘‘ Yes, I suppose you are right in that, as 
in everything else. But I am in a bad scrape, 
and I don’t know how to get oat. If I was 
well out of this, I would turn over a new leaf, 
and try my powers in another direction.” 

“ Would you ? Would you give up drink- 
ing ? ” asked Phil, looking at his companion 
earnestly. 

‘‘ Yes, I would, and be glad to. I wouldn’t 
go through another night like the last one, for 
all the sprees I could crowd into a life time.” 

“ Give me your hand on that, Fred, and I 
will see what can be done for you.” 

The young map extended his hand, and 
clasped that of his friend. ‘‘ You mean that,” 
added Phil Melvin. “ You will not taste ’ 
another drop of liquor while you are in 
college.” 


314 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ That is what I mean, and I’ll be hanged 
if I don’t keep my promise,” exclaimed Fred, 
with his characteristic impetuosity. 

‘‘ Then go back to your room, and prepare 
your recitations. You have nothing to fear.” 

“ But 1 don’t see how this promise will help 

5 ) ^ 

my case now. 

‘‘ No matter if you don't see it. It will 
help your case in future, and the present will 
soon be over.” 

Fred Bangs sat for a moment longer ; then 
rising said, “ Thank you for doing me good, 
Pliil. I didn’t deserve it ; but I appreciate 
it.” 

“ No need to talk of that,” was the smiling 
reply. “ Come here, at any time, and we will 
see how matters progress. Good morning.” 

The door closed, and Phil Melvin was left 
alone again, to think, rather than study. 

Fred Bangs heard nothing more of repri- 
mand or punishment ; although for the re- 


BILL brock’s investment. 


315 


mainder of the term he felt himself closely 
watched. His friend guarded well his secret. 
Only two knew of the pledge wliich had been 
made, although many wondered at the change 
in lus conduct. At home, during the vaca- 
tion, Mr. Melvin finding him in a confidential 
mood, introduced the mooted question of in- 
. temperance or abstinence, and was surprised 
to hear from him an acknowledgment that he 
had been entirely wrong. 

“ I thought myself very wise, the last time 
I talked with you,” said the. young student, 
gravely. “ But I found out my mistake, and 
I promised Phil not to touch another drop of 
liquor while I am in college. Didn’t he tell 
you ? 

“ Certainly not. He wouldn’t consider him- 
self at liberty to do so. I know that Phil has 
felt very anxious for you ; and a day or two 
ago, he told me that you were all right. But 
he said nothing of any promise.” 


316 


BILL brock’s investment. 


“ Isn’t lie a noble fellow ? ” exclaimed Fred, 
in reply to this. “ I wish I was half as good 
as he is. Did he ever do wrong in his whole 
life?” 

‘‘ I don’t suppose his conduct has always 
been perfect in the sight of God ; but he 
never did wrong to me,” answered the father. 
‘‘ There were three years when I didn’t see 
him.” 

‘‘ I know, and I’ve wondered a great many 
times, how you could live apart so long. The 
love between you seems different from that be- 
tween most fathers and sons.” 

‘‘ Yes, it is, and there is reason for it. 
Would you like to know the reason ? ” asked 
Mr. Melvin. 

“ If you choose to tell me,” was the reply. 

“ I do clioose to tell you, because I hope it 
may do you good ; ” and then this man, whom 
Fred Bangs loved and respected next to his 
own father, told the story, vague rumors of 


BILL brock’s investment. 


317 


which he had before heard. “ Now do you 
think it strange that I believe in total absti- 
nence from all intoxicating drinks ? asked 
the speaker, in conclusion. 

‘‘No, sir,. I don’t,” was the emphatic an- 
swer. “ But it don’t seem possible that all 
this can be true. I always thought you -so 
good and kind.” 

“ And now I have lost your respect. Is it 
so, Fred ? That would be hard ; but if my 
story teaches you a lesson, I don’t regret 
telling you.” 

“ No, no, Mr. Melvin, I do respect you, and 
thank you for telling me this. shall teacli 
me a lesson, and I love you all the more for 
trying again to save me. Just see,” added 
Fred, with a sorry attempt to smile, “ I am 
only a great foolish fellow after all ; ready to 
cry, as I used to when a child.” 

Tears answered to tears. Mr. Melvin had 
not humiliated himself in vain. Fred Bangs 


318 


BILL DROCK’S investment.. 


was more firmly established in his newly 
adopted principles ; and when tempted to 
forego them, the memory of this revelation 
would make him strong to resist. His old 
companions found both ridicule and entreaty 
wasted, while his parents rejoiced, giving 
honor to whom honor was due. 

“ I have thrown away two years of my life,’’ 
he said, when after Phil Melvin’s graduation, 
the two were comparing notes. “ I don’t pre- 
tend that I could have equalled you in all 
things, but I might have been through college 
now, if I had studied as I ought.” 

“ Don’t look back in that way. You might 
be in a far worse condition than you are now, 
had you entered college when I did. As it is, 
you have nothing to regret, and everything to 
hope. Your father is in no haste to have you 
through with your education.” 

“ No ; he thinks twenty-two young enough 
for me to commence business. I am not to 


BILL brock’s investment. 


310 


study a profession, like my friend, Phil Mel- 
vin.” 

“ Then that is settled.” 

“Yes, I am ambitious; but I don’t love 
books well enough to spend my life with them. 
.Some active business will suit me better. 
You go ahead, and perhaps I can give you a 
push when you come before the people, as an 
aspirant for office. Everybody says you were 
made to talk.” 

“ And work,” added the young graduate, 
shrugging his slioulders, as a smile lighted up 
his noble face. “ I need a great deal of hard 
work to use up my surplus strength.” 

“ And you’ll do it. No danger in regard to 
that. What is the first thing to which you 
will devote yourself ? ” 

“ I am going to look up some relatives of 
whom I have heard.” 

“ I wish you much joy in the search. If 
you find them as desirable as your Aunt Brown 


320 


BILL brock’s investment. 


and her children, you will be well repaid. I 
think your cousin Mary is the sweetest child 
I ever saw. I only wish she was older.” 

“ And so do. not I,” replied Phil, laughing 
at his friend’s earnestness. “ I have some 
plans for my cousins, and hope to be estab-. 
lished in a profession before their education is 
completed. I wish to contribute my mite.” 

“ Your father won’t thank you for that. He 
considers himself able to do all that is neces- 
sary.” 

“ I know he considers himself so, and he 
seems to be ; but for all that, I must have 
something to do in the world, and I love my 
cousins as though they were my sisters.” 

“ What if another should take your aunt 
and cousins, too ? I heard mother speaking 
of a gentleman who seemed quite anxious to do 
this ; and she thought Mrs. Brown would con- 
sent, if it was not for leaving your father 
alone.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


321 


“ Is that so ? ” asked Phil, with a look of 
surprise. “ It is news to me.” 

“ Then don’t betray me as a news-monger. 
Only keep your eyes open, and you may see 
for yourself.” 

Phil’s eyes were always open, and it re- 
quired but a short time to see this. Indeed, 
his aunt took him into her confidence, and 
talked with him frankly. 

“ If there was any prospect of your father 
marrying againj I shouldn’t hesitate,” she 
said. “ But it seems wrong to ^leave him 
alone, after all he has done for me and the 
children. I wanted to talk with you about it, 
because you understand your father so much 
better than I do.” 

‘‘ Thank you for trusting me,” answered 
Phil. “ I am sure father would wish you to 
consult your own happiness. He is far from 
being selfish.” 

“ I know that,” was the reply. ‘‘ It seems 


322 


BILL brock’s investment. 


to me lie is about as good as any body can be. 
He has never let me or my children want for 
anything since he came here.” 

What Phil saw, Mr. ]\Ielvin saw, also ; and 
desired his sister to do as she pleased, without 
reference to him. 

“ And what will you do ? ” she asked. 

‘‘ I am not sure in regard to that,” he re- 
plied. “ Don’t consider me at all in the mat- 
ter. Mr. Weaver is a good man, and will give 
you a pleasant home.” 

Matters had progressed thus far, when Phil 
Melvin went from home, for the purpose of 
visiting his mother’s brother. Two or three 
years before this, the post-master of the town 
where they had formerly lived, received a let- 
ter, asking news of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin. This 
letter had been forwarded, and answered ; Phil 
then intending to improve the first opportuni- 
ty of making the acquaintance of his uncle’s 
family. 


• BILL brock’s investment. 


323 


Various engagements had prevented this, 
until he completed his college course. He 
had visited William and Hugh Parsons each 
summer, and twice spent a day with Bill 
Drock, who still moved on in his lowly path, 
with patient tread and thankful heart. 

There now seemed nothing to prevent the 
long contemplated journey. Seth Reed was 
the name of Mrs. Melvin’s brother, and after 
reaching the town in which he resided, Phil 
was directed to his house. 

The appearance of this, in the distance, was 
not prepossessing; neither did it prove more 
attractive upon closer inspection. Small, old, 
and weather-beaten, it had known neither 
paint nor white-wash. A scraggy apple tree 
was its only shade. There were no blinds, 
and with a midday sun shining down upon it, 
it was suggestive of any thing rather than 
rest and comfort. 

Thus Phil saw it, and at once decided that 


324 


BILL brock’s investment. 


his visit would be short. He liad not ex- 
pected to find an elegant dwelling, but this 
was worse than he had allowed himself to 
fear. He walked on, however, and presently 
caught sight of a face peering through an 
open window, which riveted his attention. It 
was a child’s face, but so like his mother’s, 
that he hardly suppressed an exclamation of 
astonishment.” 

His eyes still fixed upon this face, he rapped 
at the door for admittance, and a coarse, 
slatternly looking woman appeared. 

“ Does Mr. Seth Reed live here ? ” asked 
the stranger. 

“ Yes,” was the reply. Won’t you come 
in, and sit down. He’s in the field now ; but 
he’ll come in, pretty soon.” 

‘‘ Is his wife at home ?^” 

“His wife’s dead; died six months ago,” 
answered the woman. “ You’d better come 
in, out of the sun. We ain’t fixed up for 


BILL brock’s investment. 


325 


company,” she added, pushing aside a basket, 
and snatching a soiled towel from the best 
chair in the room. 

By this time, the child had finished her ob- 
servation out of doors, and was looking earn- 
estly at the gentleman who had seated himself 

i 

near her. 

Phil, whose quick sensibilities recognized 
one akin to himself, extended his hands 
towards her, saying, “ Come to me, little 
one.” 

“ I can’t,” she replied. 

“ But I love little children ; and I have 
some cousins at home who always sit with 
me. Come.” 

“ But I can’t,” again said the child. 

“ She can’t walk,” explained the woman. 

She hain’t never been very strong ; and 
something seems to be the matter with her 
about walking. I don’t know what ’tis, but I 
guess she’ll get over it.” 


326 


BILL brock’s investment. 


The hard tone in which this was said, 
showed how little sympathy might be ex- 
pected from the speaker. 

‘‘ What is your name ? ” now asked Phil. 

‘‘ Mary Melvin Keed,” replied the child, 
slowly, as though pleased with its sound. 

“ She was named for her father’s sister.” 

Without appearing to notice this remark, 
the young man rose and took the child in his 
arms, saying, “You are my cousin, little one, 
and I have come a long way to see you.” 

“ Have you ? Then I’m so glad. There 
don’t anybody come to see me, now mother’s 
dead. I want to see mother.” 

This last was whispered with a furtive 
glance at the woman, who stood mute with 
astonishment. 

“Be y^ou that child’s cousin?” at length 
she found voice to ask. 

“ I am, if she is a daughter of Mr. Seth 


BILL brock’s investment. 


32T 


Reed. My name is Philip Melvin, and my 
mother’s name was Mary Reed.” 

‘‘ Well, here comes your uncle,” was the 
reply, as a hard-featured elderly man came 
into the room. 

Phil introduced himself with little cere- 
mony, and received as cordial a welcome as 
could be expected from such as his host. 

‘‘ There ain’t much about you looks like 
Mary,” said the man, after scrutinizing the 
features of his visitor. “ You look more as 
your father used to, if I remember right. But 
it’s a good many years since 1 saw him, and I 
suppose he’s grown old, like the rest of us.” 

“ He has grown old,” replied the son. 
‘^But he is not an old looking man, for his 
years.” 

“ He must be about fifty.” 

‘‘ Yes, sir, yet he seems in the prime of 
life.” 

“ Then he’s turned over a new leaf, since I 


828 


BILL brock’s investment. 


saw him. Somebody I saw last winter told 
me he was getting forehanded. I’m glad he’s 
been so lucky. For my part, I’ve had a 
pretty hard time. Your mother wrote to me 
about taking you ; but I guess you’ve fared 
better than you would with me. You look as 
thougli you had.” 

“ I have fared well,” answered Phil Melvin. 

“ Got through college? ” 

“ Yes, sir.” 

“ And now what ? Going to be a min- 
ister ? ” 

“ No, sir, I intend to study law. I had 
thought of the ministry ; but all things con- 
sidered, I believe I can do more good as a 
lawyer.” 

All the time, he had been unconsciously 
threading the tangled hair of the child in his 
lap ; she seeming content to rest with him. 

‘‘Has Mary made friends with you, so 
soon ? ” asked the father. “ She’s generally 
shy of strangers.” 


BILL brock’s investment. 


329 


“ I make friends with all children,” was 
the reply. ‘‘Mary’s face attracted my atten- 
tion when I saw it at the window. It is like 
my mother’s.” 

“ Yes, I’ve thought so a great many times. 
She don’t seem to be very well ; but I guess 
she’ll outgrow it.” 

Dinner was soon ready, and with some 
awkward apologies for not having anything 
• better, the visitor was invited to take a seat at 
the table. Mr. Reed spent the afternoon in 
the house, and really made an effort to do his 
best. He talked of his children, who were 
living in different places, no one being with 
him except Mary. 

“ I’ve got one boy that wants to be a 
scholar, and I don’t know but he’ll make 
out,” said the father. “ I give him his time, 
and he manages to go to school part of every 
year. He’s most as large as you are, and 
ain’t sixteen yet. He worries a good deal 


330 


BILL brock’s investment. 


about Mary, and says she ought to see a great 
doctor ; but I haiii’t got money to spend that 
way.” 

Poor child ! She needed to have money 
spent upon her ; yet more than all, did she 
need love and tenderness. If Phil Melvin 
liad been established in his profession, he 
would have taken her away with him, and 
given her all which she required. As it was, 
he made himself sure there would be no ob-. 
jection to this, and returned to his father, to 
report what he had seen and heard. 

‘‘ And you would like to provide for Mary.” 

“ Yes, sir, 1 should.” 

“Well, then you can. Your Aunt Eliza 
and her children are going to leave me, and I 
shan’t have anybody to work for but you.” 

“ So Aunt Eliza is really to be married.” 

“ Yes ; and I don’t know which Mr. 
Weaver thinks the most of, her, or the chil- 
dren. I told her she ought to leave one of 


BILL DROCK’S investment. 


331 


them with me ; hut he says he must have 
them all.” 

“ And what are you going to do, father ? 
I really wish you were married.” Phil had 
been thinking mucli of this, since his aunt 
mentioned the subject, and now spoke im- 
pulsively, without quite realizing what he was 
to say. 

“ Do you wish so, my boy ? ” asked Mr. 
Melvin. “ Would you be willing to see any 
one in your mother’s place ? ” 

I should, if you would be happier,” was 
the reply. “ You say this is the place for 
you, and I cannot live here with you. You 
are too good to be alone in the world.” 

‘‘ But I have always felt that everything I 
have, belongs to you. It is tfie joy of my life 
to earn money for you., I didn’t feel at 
liberty to do anything for your aunt, without 
consulting you.” 

“ My dear father ! ” exclaimed Phil, his 


332 


BILL brock’s investment. 


eyes filling with tears, as he grasped his 
father’s hand, “ I thank you for all you have 
done for me ; but in one way, each of us must 
live for himself. God willing, there are many 
years before you, and I am no longer a child. 
I need only my profession, and it is not neces- 
sary that you should give me even that.” 

“ But I shall do it, Phil,” rejoined Mr. Mel- 
vin. “ I wouldn’t miss it for my life.' And I 
want you to find a place for Mary Reed. If 
your aunt was going to stay with me, we’d 
have her here.” 

It was not easy to find the right place for 
this child ; but good will, perseverance, and 
money accomplished it. She was where her 
uncle could visit her each day, and the care 
of her helped to* compensate him for the loss 
of his sister’s children. To her father, and 
the woman whom he now called wife, the 
child’s absence was as grateful as was her 
presence to others ; so that all parties were 
satisfied. 


BILL DBOCK’S investment. 


833 


Every life Mr. Melvin helped to brighten, 
was so much gained to himself; and when 
somewhat more than a year after the above 
conversation, he erected a well-appointed 
house, it was one who had known much of 
sorrow whom he installed as its mistress. A 
gentle, loving woman, having few family ties, 
she gladly accepted the charge of Mary Reed, 
and gave her love unstinted. A happy family 
was this ; happier, still, when the son joined 
them, and occupied the room which had been 
fitted up with especial reference to his tastes. 
There were then, father, mother, son and 
daughter ; and although Mrs. Melvin was at 
first, somewhat ill at ease in the presence of 
the young man who addressed her as mother, 
liis kindness and respect soon reassured her. 

“ I am so glad to have you settled in life, 
father,” said Phil, with a smile. “ It will be 
pleasant to think of you here ; for I know 
you are happy. Now I can go out into the 


334 


BILL brock’s investment. 


world with a brave heart, and make a way for 
myself.” 

And he did do it ; a shining way, too ; the 
light of which irradiated the paths of others 
who trod near to him. The time came when 
he could repay all those who had given him 
assistance in his hour of need. He won both 
fame and money : and, although in his own 
home were wife and children, for whom he 
provided lovingly and generously, this ex- 
hausted neither his heart noiiJiand. William 
Parsons remained in the village wdiere he had 
first settled, and for many a luxury in the way 
of books and journeys, he was indebted to h-is 
former ward. The expenses of his eldest 
son’s education, were entirely defrayed by this 
friend ; and their families, with those of 
Hugh, who had become a wealthy farmer, 
were as closely united as though bound by the 
ties of blood. The push which Fred Bangs 
had promised his companion, was never re- 


BILL brock’s investment. 


335 


quired. He had only to watch and congratu- 
late, .although his own position was such as 
made him of service to many others. 

All who knew the history of our hero, re- 
joiced in his success ; and none more so than 
did Bill Brock, who was each year gladdened 
by some token of grateful rememlh-ance. 
The money invested for him by Mr. Melvin, 
had accumulated until it w' as quite a respecta- 
ble sum ; yet he knew nothing in regard to it. 
He sometimes talked with his wife of an in- 
vestment he had himself made years before, 
calculating its returns. “ I thought there was 
something more than common in Uiat boy the 
first time I saw him,” he would Say, with a 
wise shake of his head. “ I only wish I’d 
done more for him, and I should if I’d had a 
chance.” 

The last visit the Hon. Philip Melvin made 
his black friend, was when the latter was con- 
fined to his house by an attack consequent 


336 


BILL brock’s investment. 


upon exposure to wet and bold. “ You see, I 
can’t do as I used to,” said the old man. ‘‘ I 
never looked to be laid up like this ; but it’s 
all right, and I tell my old woman the Lord 
will provide for us.” 

‘‘ Yes, he will ; and you must allow me to 
be the almoner of his bounty,” answered the 
visitor. “ You told me I should pay you for 
what you have done for me, when I could earn 
more money than you.” I 

“ I don’t remember of saying it ; but I sup- 
pose I did if you say so. I don’t want you to 
give me money, though.” 

“ Who should, if not I ? God wills it, 
and you believe in doing his will ? ” 

“ Yes, I do. But ain’t it strange tliat the 
little boy I found in the woods should turn | 
out to be a great man like you, and come to " 1 
find me tied to the house, when I was so j 
strong then ? ” 

“ Perhaps it is strange. But remember j 


BILL brock’s investment. 


337 


tliat you have helped to make me what I am. 
Now it will he one of my pleasures to provide 
for you and your wife, whatever you may 
need.” 

‘‘ Well, it’s strange,” murmured the old 
man. “ I’ve talked a good deal about my in- 
vestment, but I didn’t expect ’twould turn out 
so. I shan’t say any thing against your do- 
ing what you’re mind to, but I’d'give more to 
have you pray with me, than I would for all 
your money. I can’t kneel down with you, 
but God knows.”' 

Pliilip Melvin was a king among his fel" 
lows ; but the crown he wore was that of a 
Christian ; and the jewels which bedecked it, 
was the souls of those for whom he prayed and 
labored. 


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Kew J^ooks hy the l^vi^e Authoress* 

iViOLLY’S BIBLE, 

By MAET DWINELL CHELIIS, 

^latlxor of* “Dea. Sims* I*rayers,” Eto. 

1 vol. 16nio. Price $1.50. 

“ Dea. Sims’ Prayers ” was a book of superior merit, 
taking the prize among more than fifty competitors. 
The above is in no way its inferior, and at once takes 
its place in the front rank of Sunday School books. 


EFFIE WINGATE’S V/ORK. 

By MAET DWINELL CHELLIS, 

AUTHOR OF “ DEA. SIMS’ PRAYERS,” “ SIOLLY’S BIBLE,” ETC. 

1 vol. 16mo. Price $1.50. 

A book of surpassing interest, abounding in incident, 
and holding the attention from the beginning to its 
close. 

Miss Chellis has few equals in this style of book. 
PUBLISHED BY 

HENRY A. YOUNG cC CO., 


Cornliill, Boston.. 


A BOOK FOB EVEBT CHBISTIAN. 



This little volume has passed through the hands, and 
been the comfort of the hearts, of thousands. In order 
to meet the wants of many, we have issued this book in 
various styles, at the following prices, viz. : 

1 vol. 32mo., cloth, plain, 15 cts, 

1 « “ “ gilt, 20 « 

1 “ “ fuU gilt, 25 “ 

1 “ tuck mor., 60 “ 

Liberal discounts made to parties ordering in 
quantities. 


PUBLISHED BY 


HENRY A. YOUNG & CO., 

24 Cornliill, Boston. 


OUT OF THE WILDERNESS. 

By MRS. JANE D. CHAPLIN. 

1 vol. 12mo. Price $1.50. 


This volume, published as a serial in the “ Watchman and 
Reflector,” has been pronounced a book of superior merit ; 
many of the scenes and characters having fallen under the 
writer’s own observation. 


GARLi BARTIuRTT;! 

Or, WIEAT CAN I DO? 


1 vol. 16rao. Price $1.25. 

BY THE AUTHOR OF “GOOD MEASURE.” 

Many of the characters introduced into “ Good Measure,” 
are continued in this book, making a volume of unusual in- 
terest to the young. 


HEIVRY A. YOTJIVO & OO., 


Cornliill, Boston. 



By MARY DWINELL CHELLIS. 


3 vols. 16mo. Price $4.50. 


IPEA. SIMS’ EBAYEBS. 

Few books have taken such rank among Sunday 
School literature as this one, receiving the prize 
among more than fifty competitors. Its characters - 
are natural, and its 'spirit excellent. 


MOLLY’S BIBLE. 

By MARY DWINELL CHELLIS. 
1 vol. 10mo. Price $1.50. 


EFFIE WINGATE’S WOBK. 

By MARY DWINELL CHELLIS. 

1 vol. 16mo. Price $1.50. 

The above three volumes sold separately or together. 

HETSrnY A. YOTJTSrO & CO., 

Cornliill, Boston, 

X 133 


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